Rukungiri District

Rukungiri District
—  District  —
District location in Uganda
Coordinates: 00°47′N 29°56′E / 0.783°N 29.933°E / 0.783; 29.933
Country	Uganda
Region	Western Uganda
Sub-region	Kigezi sub-region
Capital	Rukungiri
Area
– Land	1,524.28 km2 (588.5 sq mi)
Population (2009 Estimate)
– Total	327,100
– Density	241/km2 (624.2/sq mi)
Time zone	EAT (UTC+3)
Website	Homepage

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

Location

Rukungiri District is bordered by Rubirizi District to the north, Mitooma District to the east, 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

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 Rubabo County.^[1]

Rukungiri District is endowed with rich soils and a good climate for agriculture. The district is the birth place of Colonel (Rtd) Kizza Warren Besigye Kifefe, who was a candidate for the Ugandan Presidency in 2001, 2006 and 2011. Other prominent Ugandans who hail from Rukungiri District include General Aronda Nyakayirima, the current "Chief of Defence Forces" of the Uganda People's Defense Force and Brigadier Henry Tumukunde, formerly the Director of Uganda's Internal Security Organisation (ISO). One of the Parliamentary representatives of this District is Major General (Rtd) James Muhwezi Katugugu.^[2] The chairman of the Elections Commission in 1980, the late Kosia Kikira was also another prominent Ugandan from Rukungiri District.

Population

The 2002 national census estimated the population of the district at 275,200.^[3] The district annual population growth rate was estimated at 2.5% in 2002.^[4] It is estimated that the population of the district in 2010 was approximately 327,100. See table below:

Rukungiri District Population Trends

Year Estimated Population 2002 275,200 2003 282,100 2004 324,300 2005 289,100 2006 296,400 2007 303,800 2008 311,400 2009 319,100 2010 327,100 Economic activities 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 District 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.[5] Tourist attractions The following tourist attractions are located in Rukungiri District: [6] 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. Queen Elizabeth National Park - A significant part of the Park is found in Rukungiri District. 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. 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. Other points of interest The following points of interest are located in Rukungiri District: Kisizi Hospital - A 250-bed private hospital administered by the Church of Uganda Ishasha Airport - An airfield located in Queen Elizabeth National Park, near the town of Ishasha, close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. See also Rukungiri Kigezi sub-region Western Region, Uganda Districts of Uganda References ^ About Rukungiri District ^ Jim Muhwezi represents Rujumbura County, Rukungiri District ^ 2002 Uganda Population By District ^ Annual Population Growth Rate for Rukungiri District ^ About the economy of Rukungiri District ^ Rukungiri District's Tourist Attractions External links Rukungiri District Information Portal Coordinates: 00°47′S 29°56′E / 0.783°S 29.933°E / -0.783; 29.933