The function of UGT8 (UDP glycosyltransferase 8, ENSG00000174607) is as follows. Catalyzes the transfer of galactose to ceramide, a key enzymatic step in the biosynthesis of galactocerebrosides, which are abundant sphingolipids of the myelin membrane of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system (PubMed:9125199). Galactosylates both hydroxy- and non-hydroxy fatty acid-containing ceramides and diglycerides (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:Q09426, ECO:0000269|PubMed:9125199}.