Exploring Kisoro District
Kisoro District is a vibrant local government established as part of Uganda’s decentralization policy in 1991. Kisoro District is situated in the far southwestern part of Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Republic of Rwanda. Kisoro District is surrounded by Kanungu District to the north, Kabale District to the east, Rwanda to the south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. The town of Kisoro lies about 45 kilometres (28 mi) by road, to the west of Kabale, the largest town in the sub-region. The journey from Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest business hub, spans 484.0 km through Mbarara-Masaka Rd and Kabale Mbarara Rd, taking approximately 8 hours and 21 minutes.
The District is home to four primary ethnic groups: the Bafumbira, Bakiga, Banyarwanda, and Batwa, each contributing to the rich tapestry of its cultural landscape. The population of Kisoro district has seen a remarkable rise of approximately 13.5 percent since 1991, with the current projection for 2021 standing at 335,400 individuals, all spread across an area of 726.0 km².
The religious landscape of Kisoro district is characterized by a diverse array of affiliations among its residents, detailed as follows: Christianity – 95.8 percent, Islam – 0.8 percent, Other – 1.3 percent, None – 2.2 percent. This spans from 2002 to the present.
The political landscape of Kisoro District is characterized by the strong presence of the ruling NRM government, which maintains control over nearly all district leadership positions. The District is made up of five constituencies: Kisoro Municipality, Bufumbira South, Bufumbira East, Bukimbiri, and Bufumbira North. Kisoro District, much like others, boasts its own representatives in the Parliament of Uganda. Kisoro Municipality is represented by Hon. Sam Byibesho and is divided into three exciting divisions: Central, Southern, and Northern. Bufumbira South, led by Hon Sam K. Bitangaro, includes Chanika Town Council, Chahi Subcounty, Nyarusiza Subcounty, Nyakinama Subcounty, Muramba Subcounty, and Bunagana Town Council. Bufumbira East constituency is represented by Hon Dr. James Nsaba Buturo and encompasses Chahafi Town Council, Murora Subcounty, Nyakabande Subcounty, and Kanaba Subcounty. Bufumbira North constituency is represented by Hon. Nizeyimana John Kamara and includes Rukundo Town Council, Nyarubuye Subcounty, Busanza Subcounty, and Mupaka Town Council. Bukimbiri constituency is a newly established area that is yet to have its own representative. It was carved out from both Bufumbira North and Bufumbira East constituencies. It consists of Nyabwishenya Subcounty, Nkuringo Town Council, Kirundo Subcounty, Rubuguri Town Council, Bukimbiri Subcounty, Nyanamo Town Council, and Nyundo Subcounty.
Kisoro district is a mountainous and hilly area enriched with fertile soils that support agriculture, both for subsistence and large-scale farming. The crops cultivated in the district include tea, Irish potatoes, maize, and beans.
Exploring Kisoro District The Batwa Community
The weather in Kisoro is pleasantly mild and often shrouded in clouds. Throughout the year, temperatures generally fluctuate between 57°F and 75°F, seldom dropping below 55°F or exceeding 80°F. Kisoro experiences rain all year round, while only Kabale and Kasese have been dubbed the Switzerland of Africa since colonial times, thanks to their unique climate and geographical features.
Kisoro is an exciting tourism destination, home to the Mountain Gorillas in Mgahinga National Park and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These majestic creatures draw visitors year-round, contributing to the local economy and benefiting both the district and national finances. The renowned Muhabura Volcanic Mountains and the undulating landscape, the winding Kabale – Kisoro road alongside the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and Echuya Bamboo Forest transform Kisoro into one of the most stunning places on Earth. Uganda’s tagline “The Pearl of Africa” is largely attributed to the vibrant and remarkable nature of Kisoro district. That is involved.
