# Western Region, Uganda – Districts, Population & Map

> Source: https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/

Region · Uganda 

# Western Region

Western Region is a region of Uganda. It had an estimated **11,760,284 people** in 2022 on 55,235 km² (about 213 per km²). Its main town is Mbarara. It is divided into 35 districts. 12,087 named villages and localities are recorded here, and 9,372 mapped services such as hospitals, banks and schools.

- 11,760,284people (2022)
- 55,235km²
- 35districts
- 9,372mapped services

## How many people live in Western Region?

Western Region had an estimated **11,760,284 people** in 2022 — 25.4% of Uganda, 3rd of 4 regions. There are 1,047 women for every 1,000 men (close to the Uganda figure of 1,054). Spread over 55,235 km², that is about **213 people per km²**, 2nd of 4 regions.

47.4% of people are children under 15 and 2.5% are 65 or older; the median age is about 16 years (it is 16 across Uganda). For every 100 people of working age (15–64) there are 99 children and older people.

0–4 ****2,244,975**

5–9 ****1,823,814**

10–14 ****1,502,594**

15–19 ****1,311,402**

20–24 ****1,033,641**

25–29 ****853,478**

30–34 ****723,043**

35–39 ****558,387**

40–44 ****427,488**

45–49 ****335,459**

50–54 ****281,220**

55–59 ****213,974**

60–64 ****162,439**

65–69 ****104,626**

70–74 ****80,985**

75–79 ****51,584**

80+ ****51,175**

Source: [Uganda Bureau of Statistics via OCHA HDX, population 2023 (COD-PS, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ps-uga).

## Where is Western Region?

Western Region lies in [Uganda](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/). It borders 2 other regions: [Central Region](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/central/) and [Northern Region](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/northern/). By area it is the 3rd largest of 4 regions in Uganda. It covers 22.9% of [Uganda](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/). The centre of Western Region is about 229 km in a straight line from Kampala, the capital. The centre point is at 0.4437° N, 30.5258° E.

Source: [Uganda Bureau of Statistics with support from WHO via OCHA HDX, administrative boundaries (COD-AB, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ab-uga).

## Things to see in and around Western Region

OpenStreetMap lists 154 named sights in Western Region: 68 attractions; 28 viewpoints; 11 nature reserves; 10 waterfalls; 8 museums; 7 beachs; 3 memorials; 3 caves; 3 national parks; 3 monuments; 3 castles and forts; 2 volcanos; 2 galleries; 1 ruins; 1 archaeological site; 1 hot spring.

- BUGUNGU HERITAGE AND INFORMATION CENTRE MUSEUM · museum
- BUNYORO COMMUNITY HISTORICAL MUSEUM ASSOCIATIONS FOR PEACE · museum
- EAST AFRICAN REVIVAL MUSEUM · museum
- Eriijukiro Museum of Southwestern Uganda · museum
- Great Lakes Museum · museum
- KOOGERE COMMUNITY MUSEUM · museum
- Kigezi Home of Culture · museum
- UGANDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAM- CULTURAL ASSETS CENTRE · museum
- Munsa Earthwork · archaeological site
- Ankole Kingdom Palace · castle or fort
- Food en take away · castle or fort
- Kirabagwera Kingdom · castle or fort
- Amabere Waterall · waterfall
- Cathy Falls · waterfall
- Enock's Fall · waterfall
- Gorges de Sabinyo · waterfall
- Kabamba Fall · waterfall
- Mahoma Falls · waterfall
- Mpanga Falls · waterfall
- Nkusi Waterfall · waterfall
- Nyamwamba Falls · waterfall
- Samalira falls · waterfall
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · national park
- Kibale National Park · national park
- Lake Mburo National Park · national park
- Bugungu Wildlife Reserve · nature reserve
- Echuya Central Proposed National Park · nature reserve
- Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve · nature reserve
- Kalinzu Forest · nature reserve
- Katonga Proposed National Park · nature reserve

…and 124 more.

Source: [© OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), Geofabrik extract — named settlements](https://www.openstreetmap.org/copyright).

Named attractions, museums, viewpoints, historic sites and natural features mapped in OpenStreetMap. Places of worship are not listed.

## Know before you go: Western Region

- Time zoneUTC+3, no daylight saving · Africa/Kampala
- CurrencyShilling (UGX)
- Country calling code+256
- LanguagesEnglish, Ganda, Swahili, Arabic
- Plug typesType G · 240 V
- Driving sideLeft
- Postcode format5 digits (#####)

### Nearest airports

- Bunia Airport (BUX) · Bunia129 km
- Savannah Airstrip (KHX) · Kihihi158 km

### Nearest railway station

Kabuga (Kamwenge), about 26 km from the centre.

### Daylight

Days are longest in Jun (about 12.1 hours, sunrise around 06:53) and shortest in Dec (about 12.1 hours, sunrise around 06:50, sunset around 18:55).

Month Sunrise Sunset Daylight 

Jan 07:03 19:09 12.1 h 

Feb 07:09 19:15 12.1 h 

Mar 07:04 19:10 12.1 h 

Apr 06:54 19:01 12.1 h 

May 06:49 18:58 12.1 h 

Jun 06:53 19:02 12.1 h 

Jul 06:59 19:07 12.1 h 

Aug 06:58 19:06 12.1 h 

Sep 06:49 18:56 12.1 h 

Oct 06:40 18:46 12.1 h 

Nov 06:39 18:45 12.1 h 

Dec 06:50 18:55 12.1 h 

Source: [GeoNames country and time-zone files (CC BY 4.0)](https://www.geonames.org/); [Wikidata (CC0) — plug types, mains voltage, driving side; retrieved 2026-11-02](https://www.wikidata.org/); [OurAirports (public domain)](https://ourairports.com/data/).

Airports with scheduled passenger flights; straight-line distances. Daylight is calculated for the 15th of each month in local standard time. Check entry and visa rules with official government sources before travelling.

## Districts of Western Region

District People per km² Area km² Counties Services 

[Kasese District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kasese/) 866,348 256 3,387 3 633 

[Isingiro District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/isingiro/) 667,624 252 2,648 2 314 

[Kyenjojo District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kyenjojo/) 591,035 252 2,346 1 240 

[Ntungamo District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/ntungamo/) 586,480 290 2,022 4 515 

[Kakumiro District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kakumiro/) 581,485 349 1,667 1 204 

[Kyegegwa District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kyegegwa/) 536,196 307 1,746 1 183 

[Kagadi District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kagadi/) 481,542 310 1,554 1 278 

[Mbarara District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/mbarara/) 430,489 347 1,242 2 608 

[Kikuube District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kikuube/) 418,455 140 2,991 1 191 

[Hoima District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/hoima/) 414,837 157 2,648 2 395 

[Kamwenge District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kamwenge/) 402,254 238 1,693 1 214 

[Masindi District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/masindi/) 374,991 96 3,923 3 274 

[Kabarole District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kabarole/) 367,094 280 1,312 2 361 

[Rukungiri District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/rukungiri/) 355,446 232 1,529 3 386 

[Kiryandongo District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kiryandongo/) 346,336 95 3,634 1 229 

[Kisoro District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kisoro/) 342,423 472 726 2 580 

[Ibanda District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/ibanda/) 300,002 311 966 2 321 

[Kanungu District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kanungu/) 299,026 226 1,325 1 333 

[Bundibugyo District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/bundibugyo/) 291,112 342 851 2 229 

[Bushenyi District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/bushenyi/) 264,248 292 905 2 367 

[Kabale District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kabale/) 258,029 416 620 2 388 

[Kazo District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kazo/) 248,209 159 1,556 1 196 

[Sheema District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/sheema/) 235,121 336 699 2 273 

[Kibaale District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kibaale/) 232,487 200 1,165 1 140 

[Rubanda District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/rubanda/) 231,116 335 690 1 166 

[Bunyangabu District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/bunyangabu/) 213,867 429 498 1 118 

[Mitooma District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/mitooma/) 206,884 380 544 1 230 

[Kiruhura District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kiruhura/) 203,676 67 3,043 1 190 

[Kitagwenda District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/kitagwenda/) 179,509 251 716 1 135 

[Buliisa District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/buliisa/) 171,256 84 2,027 1 62 

[Buhweju District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/buhweju/) 159,835 233 687 1 105 

[Rubirizi District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/rubirizi/) 156,178 106 1,469 1 182 

[Rwampara District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/rwampara/) 152,770 266 575 1 156 

[Rukiga District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/rukiga/) 111,085 260 427 1 125 

[Ntoroko District](https://wherepedia.org/uganda/western/ntoroko/) 82,839 59 1,402 1 51 

Source: [Uganda Bureau of Statistics with support from WHO via OCHA HDX, administrative boundaries (COD-AB, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ab-uga); [Uganda Bureau of Statistics via OCHA HDX, population 2023 (COD-PS, CC BY-IGO)](https://data.humdata.org/dataset/cod-ps-uga).

## Largest towns in Western Region

- Mbarara221,300
- Hoima122,700
- Ibanda117,700
- Kasese115,400
- Masindi110,500
- Rutoma86,100
- Bwizibwera79,157
- Nakivale Refugee Camp68,400
- Fort Portal60,800
- Mpondwe58,600
- Kabale53,200
- Rwamwanja Refugee Camp49,700
- Ishaka41,063
- Rukungiri37,200
- Buyale36,700

Source: [GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) — settlements, natural and historic features](https://www.geonames.org/).

Populations as recorded in GeoNames, which may be older than the estimates above.

## Landscape and landmarks of Western Region

Named natural and historic features inside Western Region, from the GeoNames gazetteer.

### Water

784 rivers and streams; 39 lakes; 2 waterfalls.

- Akaseke
- Akayanja
- Amabakoko
- Amapogi
- Aswa
- Bagoya
- Bahunyaho
- Barara
- Bigaga
- Bigera
- Bihanga
- Bijagira
- Bineneza
- Binyonyibyomba
- Biraizi
- Birira
- Bisanga
- Bisanga
- Bisura
- Bisyoro
- Bizibinanaro
- Botwalibo
- Bubale
- Bubwe

…and 801 more.

### Coast and islands

7 islands; 1 bay; 1 lagoon; 1 headland.

- Akika Island
- Buhuka South Bay
- Irangara Island
- Izinga Island
- Kabazimu Island
- Kankuranga Island
- Kitako Island
- Ndaiga Bay
- Sikanki Island
- Tonya

### Hills and mountains

647 hills; 131 mountains; 41 peaks; 3 mountain passes; 1 glacier.

- Victorio Emanuele · 4,858 m
- Edward · 4,777 m
- Mount Speke · 4,759 m
- Mount Gessi · 4,624 m
- Baker · 4,608 m
- Weismann · 4,598 m
- Sella · 4,594 m
- Thompson Glacier · 4,575 m
- Okuhandika · 4,558 m
- Okusoma · 4,551 m
- Wollaston · 4,540 m
- Mount Luigi di Savoia · 4,537 m
- Bottego · 4,510 m
- Moore · 4,507 m
- Okubara · 4,398 m
- Kinyangoma · 4,392 m
- Kihuma · 4,354 m
- Portal Peaks · 4,309 m
- Cagni · 4,293 m
- Freshfield Pass · 4,266 m
- Watamagufu · 4,238 m
- Rukenga · 4,161 m
- Batoda · 4,088 m
- Kakuka · 4,038 m

…and 799 more.

### Forests and nature

41 forests; 15 forest reserves; 10 wildlife reserves; 8 parks; 4 nature reserves; 1 garden.

- Budongo Forest
- Budongo Forest Reserve
- Bugoma Forest
- Bugungu Hippopotamus and Elephant Sanctuary
- Buhungiro
- Bujaawe
- Busaju
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
- Chahi Forest
- Chelima Forest
- Chwi
- Echuya Forest
- Fort Mwongwe
- Gorilla Sanctuary
- Ibambalo
- Ihimbo Forest
- Impenetrable Forest
- Itwara Forest
- Itwara Forest Reserve
- Junjubaire
- Kabalega Falls National Park
- Kabwoya Wildlife Reserve
- Kaduku
- Kahurukobwire

…and 55 more.

### History

13 forts; 4 ruins; 1 museum; 1 palace.

- Faweira Fort
- Fort Briggs
- Fort De Winton
- Fort Edward
- Fort George
- Fort Grant
- Fort Kivari
- Fort Lorne
- Fort Ntara
- Fort Roddy
- Fort Wavertree
- Gordons Mruli
- Karwata Fort
- Kibengo Earthworks
- Kibumba Primary School
- Lisiga Fort
- Magungo
- Omukama’s Palace
- Podi Fort

### Estates

59 estates; 1 tea estate.

- Balmoral
- Balmoral Estate
- Bogomolo
- Buhunga Estate
- Bujenje Estate
- Bulyango Estate
- Bwigara Estate
- Fort Wavertree Estate
- Gemi Estate
- Hima Estate
- Hoima River Estates
- Kahangi Estate
- Kahuna Estate
- Kamsanga Estate
- Kanyege
- Karambi Estate
- Kaseseru Etstate
- Kasokero Estate
- Kasunga Estate
- Kiamara Estate
- Kibalel Estate
- Kigami Estate
- Kigarama Estate
- Kigarama Estate

…and 36 more.

### Getting around

10 airfields; 9 airports; 3 railway stations; 1 harbour.

- Ankole Tea
- Bihanga
- Bihanga
- Bundibugyo
- Bundibugyo Airport
- Butiaba
- Butiaba Harbour
- Bwikara
- Dura Station
- Fort Portal
- Fort Portal Airport
- Kabagole
- Kabale Airport
- Kasese Airport
- Kayonza
- Kihihi Airport
- Kinyara
- Kisoro Airport
- Masindi Airport
- Mbarara Airport
- Mweya Airport
- Pakuba Airport
- Wambabya

Source: [GeoNames (CC BY 4.0) — settlements, natural and historic features](https://www.geonames.org/).

Places of worship are not listed. Elevations are from the GeoNames terrain model and are approximate.

## Weather in Western Region and the best time to visit

In Western Region, the warmest month is Feb (average 23 °C) and the coolest is Nov (20 °C). About 1,280 mm of rain falls in a year; the wettest month is Oct (159 mm) and the driest Jan (60 mm). The most comfortable months for a visit are **December to March and May to August**.

- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec

Month Average °C Rain mm 

Jan 22 60 

Feb 23 61 

Mar 22 118 

Apr 21 126 

May 21 116 

Jun 21 72 

Jul 21 69 

Aug 21 111 

Sep 21 138 

Oct 21 159 

Nov 20 154 

Dec 21 95 

Source: [NASA POWER climatology, retrieved 2026-10-29](https://power.larc.nasa.gov/).

## Hospitals, banks and other services in Western Region

Places mapped inside Western Region in open map data, by type.

- Hospitals609
- Banks136
- ATMs7
- Petrol pumps264
- Hotels669
- Shopping malls10
- Schools7,123
- Colleges and universities66
- Cinemas7
- Pharmacies172
- Restaurants240
- Police stations67
- Dental clinics2

Source: [Overture Maps places (CDLA-Permissive-2.0) and © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)](https://overturemaps.org/).

Coverage depends on what has been mapped; contact details are not shown.

## Quick answers

- Where is Western Region?In Uganda
- What is the population of Western Region?11,760,284 (2022 estimate)
- What is the median age in Western Region?About 16 years (2022 estimate)
- What is the population density of Western Region?About 213 people per km²
- What borders Western Region?Central Region and Northern Region
- What is there to see in Western Region?African Art, African buffalo, Afritastic Planet Ruigo Lake View, Afritastic Planet Ruigo Top View
- What time zone is Western Region in?UTC+3
- What currency is used in Western Region?Shilling (UGX)
- What language is spoken in Western Region?English, Ganda, Swahili (main languages nationally)
- What is the largest town in Western Region?Mbarara
- What is the highest point in Western Region?Victorio Emanuele (4,858 m, GeoNames elevation model)
- What is the best time to visit Western Region?December to March and May to August
- How many hospitals are in Western Region?609 mapped
- How many banks are in Western Region?136 mapped
- How many ATMs are in Western Region?7 mapped
- How many petrol pumps are in Western Region?264 mapped
- What is the P-code of Western Region?UG4 (OCHA common operational dataset)