Kasese District
About Kasese District
Photo: A rural community in Kasese District
History
Kasese district was formed in 1974 under the Provincial Administration of Rwenzori district that was curved out of Tooro. Prior to this, it was part of Toro kingdom that comprised the present districts of Bundibugyo, Kabarole, Kyenjojo, Kamwenge and Kasese. Kasese district is located along the Equator in the western region of Uganda. It borders the districts of Kabarole and Bundibugyo in the north, Lake George and Kamwenge in the east, Bushenyi and Lake Edward in the south and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west. The district has an approximate total area of 31,205 sq km that is covered by wetlands, water and a savannah type of vegetation. The district has a mountainous terrain in the north with flat plains in the south.
Two of Uganda’s ten national parks are located here: Queen Elizabeth National Park and Rwenzori Mountains National Park. Queen Elizabeth NP is situated around Lake Edward and Lake George. It has one of the most diverse bird populations in the world, in addition to having many mammals and the most productive aquatic ecosystem on earth. Kasese District receives an average rainfall ranging between 900-1600mm annually and two rain seasons that come between March to May and August to November. Temperatures normally range between 23.9ºc and 30.0ºc. Like most districts in Uganda, Kasese district is predominantly agricultural, relying on farming for employment and income. The people keep livestock including cattle, goats, sheep and pigs. The district also has industrial potential with two operational mining operations currently mining sulphur, copper, and cobalt at Kilembe. There are a number of industries in the district, which have greatly contributed to the availability of employment to the population.
To learn more about the Kasese District and Uganda’s National Parks, click here.
Photo: Shops on the road to Kasese
Photo: Cows hang out at a local school.
Photo: A typical way of transporting people and goods