Alebtong District is one of the administrative districts in the Northern Region of Uganda, within the Lango sub-region. Its headquarters are located in Alebtong Town, which serves as the political and administrative center.
Location
Alebtong District lies in the Lango sub-region and is bordered by:
- Otuke District to the north
- Amuria District to the east
- Dokolo District to the south
- Lira District to the west
The district headquarters are approximately 48 km east of Lira, the largest urban center in the sub-region, and about 285 km north of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.
Coordinates: 02°18′N, 33°18′E
By road, the distance between Kampala and Alebtong via Lira is about 367 km, taking roughly six hours of travel.
Overview
Alebtong District was officially established in 2010, after being carved out of Lira District. The district comprises two counties: Ajuri County and Moroto County.
It covers an area of about 1,527.5 km² at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters (3,600 ft) above sea level.
Population
Alebtong has experienced steady population growth:
- 1991 Census: ~112,584 people
- 2002 Census: ~163,047 people
- 2014 Census: ~225,327 people
- 2024 Census: ~283,076 people
With a population density of 148 people per km², Alebtong reflects the broader demographic trends of Northern Uganda, where rural communities rely heavily on agriculture.
Economy and Lifestyle
The district’s economy is primarily based on subsistence farming and livestock rearing. Residents cultivate crops such as maize, millet, cassava, beans, and groundnuts, which are staples in the Lango community.
Alebtong’s cultural identity is deeply tied to the Lango people, known for their rich traditions, music, and community cohesion.
