Bushenyi District is an administrative district in Western Uganda, located in the Ankole sub-region. It is named after its chief town, Bushenyi, where the district headquarters are located. The district is known for its fertile soils, agricultural productivity, and relatively low poverty levels compared to other parts of the country.
Location
Bushenyi District is bordered by Rubirizi District to the northwest, Buhweju District to the northeast, Sheema District to the east, Mitooma District to the south, and Rukungiri District to the west.
- Capital: Bushenyi Town
- Largest Urban Centre: Ishaka, located 75 km northwest of Mbarara City
- Coordinates: 00°32′S, 30°11′E
- Land Area: 942.3 km² (363.8 sq mi)
- Time Zone: UTC+3 (EAT)
Historical Overview
Before 2010, Bushenyi was one of the largest districts in Western Uganda, covering about 4,292.5 km². This included 8.6% open water, 2.2% wetland, and 18.3% forest reserves.
On 1 July 2010, the district was subdivided by an Act of Parliament into five smaller districts:
- Buhweju District
- Bushenyi District (new and smaller)
- Mitooma District
- Rubirizi District
- Sheema District
Bushenyi remains part of the Ankole sub-region, which consists of nine districts and is home to millions of Banyankole people.
Population
The population of Bushenyi District has grown steadily over the years:
- 1991 Census: 161,000
- 2002 Census: 205,700
- 2012 Estimate: 251,400
The average annual growth rate was estimated at 2%.
Economic Activities
The economy of Bushenyi District is heavily based on agriculture, which employs about 86.7% of the population. Farming provides food security, household income, and raw materials for agro-industries.
Major crops include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Sweet bananas
- Matooke
In addition, ranching and dairy farming play a vital role in the district’s economy. Farmers widely rear hybrid cattle, which provide higher milk yields and more beef than indigenous breeds, making livestock production profitable.
Bushenyi also faces challenges such as soil degradation, poor marketing systems, weak processing infrastructure, and recurring crop and livestock diseases. However, with its strong agricultural base and favorable climate, the district remains a key contributor to Uganda’s food and cash crop output.
