huye

Huye, also spelled Huye, is a town in southern Rwanda. It is the capital of Huye District in the Southern Province and serves as an important educational and administrative hub. The town was formerly known as Butare and was renamed Huye in 2006 as part of national toponym reforms.

Geography and climate: Huye lies in Rwanda’s highland region, south of Kigali, at roughly 1,700 to 2,000 meters above sea level. The area experiences a temperate tropical highland climate with generally mild temperatures and two rainy seasons.

Education and culture: The town hosts the Huye Campus of the University of Rwanda, reflecting its long-standing role as an educational center; this campus traces back to the National University of Rwanda established in 1963 in Butare. Huye is also home to the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda, a major cultural institution featuring artifacts and exhibitions on the country’s history, peoples, and traditions.

Economy and transport: Huye’s economy centers on education, government services, and agriculture in surrounding areas. The district produces coffee, tea, and other crops that contribute to the local and regional economy. The town is connected by road to Kigali and other southern towns, with regular bus and minibus services for transport.

Demographics: The population reflects Rwanda’s diverse social fabric, with communities traditionally associated with the country’s major ethnic groups and a mix of urban and rural residents in and around the town.