Rukungiri

Rukungiri is a town in the Western Region of Uganda and the administrative center of Rukungiri District. It is situated in the Kigezi sub-region and serves as the district’s main commercial and administrative hub. The town lies in a highland area characterized by rolling hills and a temperate tropical climate, typical of the western Ugandan countryside.

The local economy is predominantly agricultural, with small-scale farming and trading forming the backbone of livelihoods. Common crops include coffee, maize, beans, bananas and sweet potatoes, while livestock such as cattle, goats and pigs are raised by many residents. Local markets in Rukungiri town serve surrounding rural communities, supporting trade and services that sustain the local economy. Road transport connects the town to larger towns in the region, enabling the movement of people and goods.

Infrastructure and public services in Rukungiri include the district’s administration offices and a public hospital along with several health clinics, schools and shops. The town hosts a range of educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools that serve residents of the district and neighboring areas. Public services and markets are focal points for social and economic activity.

Demographically, the population is largely from the Bakiga ethnic group, a major component of the broader Kigezi cultural area. The town and district host a mix of religious communities, with churches and mosques serving local congregations. As the district capital, Rukungiri functions as a center for governance, development projects, and regional commerce in the surrounding highland countryside.