Abim District is a district in Northern Uganda, named after its main town, Abim, where the district headquarters are located. Established on 1 July 2006, it was formerly part of Labwor County in Kotido District.
Location
Abim District lies within the Karamoja sub-region. It is bordered by Kotido District to the north and east, Napak District to the southeast and south, Otuke District to the southwest, and Agago District to the west. The district headquarters are about 140 km northwest of Moroto, the sub-region’s largest town, and 366 km northeast of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
Overview
Covering an area of 2,353.3 km², Abim District is characterized by a wet and dry woodland savannah climate, with the hottest period lasting from December to February. It is one of seven districts making up the Karamoja sub-region, alongside Amudat, Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto, Nakapiripirit, and Napak. The sub-region is home to nearly one million Karimojong.
The district is subdivided into five sub-counties and one town council – Abim Town Council.
Population
Population growth in Abim District has been relatively steady.
- 1991 Census: ~47,600
- 2002 Census: ~51,800
- 2012 Estimate: ~56,500
This reflects an average annual growth rate of 0.9% between 2002 and 2012.
Population trends (2002–2011):
- 2002 – 51,800
- 2006 – 53,800
- 2010 – 55,800
- 2011 – 56,300
Economic Activities
The majority of residents in Abim District engage in subsistence agriculture and animal husbandry, with some communities also practicing hunting to supplement their diet.
Main crops grown include:
- Sorghum
- Maize
- Millet
- Beans
- Peas
- Cassava
- Sweet potatoes
- Groundnuts
- Sunflower
- Simsim (sesame)
- Upland rice
- Pumpkins and cucumbers
Agriculture and livestock rearing remain the backbone of the district’s economy, sustaining the majority of households.
