Rukungiri District Information and Travel Guide

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Rukungiri is a district in southwestern Uganda. It is named after its 'chief town' of Rukungiri where the district headquarters are located.

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Location of Rukungiri

Rukungiri is bordered by Bushenyi District to the north and northeast, Ntungamo District to the southeast, Kabale District to the south, Kanungu District to the west and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the northwest.

The district headquarters at Rukungiri are located approximately 385 kilometres (239 mi), by road, southwest of Kampala, Uganda's capital city. The coordinates of the district are:00 47S, 29 56S.

Overview of Rukungiri

The district was created in 1974 and was known then as North Kigezi District. Its name changed to Rukungiri District in 1980, a name it derived from its 'chief town' of Rukungiri. When Kanungu District was split off to form a separate district, Rukungiri District was reduced to two counties: Rujumbura County and Rubaho County.

Rukungiri is endowed with rich soils and a good climate for agriculture. The district is the birth place of Kizza Besigye who was a candidate for the Ugandan Presidency in 2001 and 2006.

Other prominent Ugandans who hail from Rukungiri include General Aronda Nyakayirima, the current Commander of the Uganda People's Defense Force and Brigadier Henry Tumukunde, formerly the Director of Uganda's Internal Security Organization. One of the Parliamentary representatives of this District is Major General Jim Muhwezi.

Population of Rukungiri

The 2002 national census estimated the population of the district at 308,696. The district annual population growth rate was estimated at 2.5% in 2002 Using those statistics, it is estimated that the population of the district in 2009 is approximately 366,944.

Economic activities in Rukungiri

The mainstay of the economy of Rukungiri District, like the rest of the country, is agriculture. More than 90% of the population are engaged in farming. Of the 1,524.28 square kilometres (588.53 sq mi) total land area of the district, 1,352.3 square kilometres (522.1 sq mi) is arable land. Out of these, 1,150 square kilometres (440 sq mi) are already under cultivation

However, production is mainly subsistence although the soils are very fertile and with potential for intensive commercial farming. The two chief cash crops are coffee and matooke.The district also has some of the best dairy farms in the country especially in the sub counties of Kebisoni and Buyanja.

About 3.52 million liters of milk are produced in the district annually. Due to the altitude, Rukungiri is ideal for cultivation of all crops including temperate fruits. Thus in many sub counties there are successful farmers engaged in the production of grapes, apples, pears and peaches.A number of people also derive their livelihood from fishing, particularly from Lake Edward. Fish farming is also practiced by some families.

Tourist attractions in Rukungiri

The following tourist attractions are located in Rukungiri District:

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park - 80 kilometres (50 mi), by road, southwest of downtown Rukungiri. Most of the area of the Park is found in Rukungiri District.

1.Queen Elizabeth National Park - A significant part of the Park is found in Rukungiri District.

2.Hot Springs and Geysers - Located about 20 kilometres (12 mi), by road, from Rukungiri town; they include: (a) Ilimbo Hot Springs in Bwabara and (b) Minera Hot Springs in Kebisoni.

3.Kisizi Falls - Located 40 kilometres (25 mi) along the Rukungiri-Kabale road. Location of a mini hydropower project that provides power to Kisizi Hospital.

Scenic Views - The escarpments and deep valleys along the Rukungiri-Bwindi road offer a rare opportunity for scenic viewing.

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