Buvuma District Uganda is located in the Central Region of Uganda and is unique as it is coterminous with the Buvuma Islands archipelago in Lake Victoria. Unlike most districts, it has no land on mainland Uganda. The district headquarters are situated at Kitamilo Town, and the area is represented in Parliament by Robert Migadde and Susan Mugabi Nakaziba.
Location
Buvuma District is bordered by Jinja District to the north, Mayuge District to the east, Buikwe District to the west and northwest, and the Republic of Tanzania to the south across Lake Victoria. Kitamilo, the district capital, lies about 30 km south of Jinja City, the nearest major urban center.
- Capital: Kitamilo
- Land Area: 218.3 km² (84.3 sq mi)
- Elevation: 1,340 m (4,400 ft)
- Population (2014): 89,890
- Coordinates: 00°14′N, 33°16′E
Overview
Buvuma District consists of 52 scattered islands in the northern waters of Lake Victoria. The largest island is Buvuma Island, from which the district derives its name. The district was established on 1 July 2010 by an Act of Parliament, after being carved out of Mukono District.
Administratively, the district is divided into nine units, including: Bugaya, Busamuzi, Bweema, Nairambi, Buwooya, Lwajje, Lubya, Lyabaana Sub-counties, and Buvuma Town Council.
Population
The population of Buvuma District has steadily grown over the decades:
- 1991 Census: 18,500
- 2002 Census: 42,500
- 2014 Census: 89,890
The growth is attributed to high fertility rates and migration linked to fishing and trade opportunities on the islands.
Economic Activities
The economy of Buvuma District is based on four main activities:
- Fishing – The majority of residents rely on fishing in Lake Victoria for both food and income. Overfishing, however, remains a growing concern.
- Tourism – The islands’ natural beauty, cultural heritage, and proximity to Lake Victoria make them attractive for eco-tourism and adventure travel.
- Logging – Timber and firewood are harvested from the district’s 26 gazetted forest reserves, though unregulated logging poses environmental risks.
- Charcoal Production – Charcoal is a key source of energy and income for residents, but deforestation threatens long-term sustainability.
Subsistence farming is also practiced, though on a small scale due to land limitations. Crops grown include bananas, cassava, maize, and beans. Livestock farming exists but is limited, with most production consumed locally.
