Kisoro

Kisoro is a town in southwestern Uganda, serving as the administrative and commercial center of Kisoro District in the Kigezi sub-region of the Western Region. It lies near the borders with Rwanda to the south and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, making cross-border trade and travel a notable aspect of its economy and daily life. The town sits in a highland area within the foothills of the Virunga Mountains, contributing to its cooler climate and scenic surroundings.

Geographically the area is rugged, with steep slopes, terraced farming, and several crater lakes nearby. Elevations around the town are relatively high, producing a temperate climate with misty mornings and distinct rainy seasons. The region is known for its dramatic landscapes, including views of the Virunga Volcanoes and access routes to nearby parks and wildlife areas such as Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.

The economy of Kisoro centers on agriculture and trade, with crops like potatoes, beans, maize, and bananas common in the surrounding highlands, and coffee grown at lower elevations. Tourism has grown as a major sector thanks to Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which borders Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and offers gorilla trekking, mountain hiking, and wildlife viewing. Kisoro acts as a gateway for visitors and serves as a hub for services that support trekking and cross-border visitors. Road transport connects Kisoro to Kabale, Mbarara, and other parts of Uganda, with cross-border posts at Cyanika (Rwanda) and Bunagana (DRC) facilitating regional movement.

The local population is drawn from the Bakiga people, with Rukiga commonly spoken alongside English. The town and district reflect a mix of Ugandan and cross-border cultural influences, and markets in Kisoro are centers for trade, crafts, and daily life in the border region.