Kiryandongo

Kiryandongo is a district located in the Central Region of Uganda, bordering the districts of Nakaseke, Mityana, Luweero, and Nakasongola. The district was established in 2005 through a presidential decree, splitting from the former Nakaseke District. Its administrative capital is Kiryandongo Town Council, which serves as the main urban center.

The district covers an area of approximately 1,020 square kilometers and is characterized by a mix of savanna and agricultural land. Kiryandongo lies along the equator, contributing to a tropical climate with two distinct rainy seasons—from March to May and from September to November. The region is primarily rural, with agriculture being the dominant economic activity. Key crops include maize, beans, cassava, and coffee, while livestock farming also plays a significant role.

Kiryandongo has faced historical challenges, notably housing one of Uganda’s largest refugee settlements, the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, established in 1996 to accommodate refugees fleeing conflicts in neighboring countries, particularly the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The settlement has since been repurposed, with many refugees resettled abroad or integrated into local communities, though it remains a point of reference for Uganda’s refugee policy.

Infrastructure in Kiryandongo includes a network of roads connecting it to major cities like Kampala, though development remains uneven compared to more urbanized regions. Education and healthcare services are provided through government-run facilities, with efforts ongoing to improve access and quality. The district is also home to cultural and historical sites, reflecting its role in Uganda’s broader socio-political landscape.

Economically, Kiryandongo continues to rely on subsistence farming, though small-scale trade and informal businesses contribute to local livelihoods. The district’s strategic location and agricultural potential present opportunities for further development, particularly in sustainable farming practices and infrastructure expansion.