Kayunga District Uganda is one of the important districts in the Central Region of Uganda. It is named after its chief town, Kayunga, where the district headquarters are located. The district is best known for its fertile agricultural land, diverse communities, and strong historical ties.
With its location northeast of Kampala and its role as a key agricultural hub, Kayunga has become an area of cultural, political, and economic interest. The district is also famous for its pineapples and sugarcane plantations, which drive much of its commercial farming sector.
Location
Kayunga District is strategically located and bordered by:
- Amolatar District to the north
- Buyende District to the northeast
- Kamuli District to the east
- Jinja District to the southeast
- Buikwe District to the south
- Mukono District to the southwest
- Luweero District to the west
- Nakasongola District to the northwest
The district headquarters lie approximately 74 kilometres northeast of Kampala, along an all-weather tarmac highway.
Overview and History
Kayunga District was carved out of Mukono District in December 2000. It consists of two counties: Bbaale County and Ntenjeru County, covering an area of 1,587.8 square kilometres.
In September 2009, the district drew national attention when there were attempts to secede from the traditional Kingdom of Buganda. Tensions escalated when the Kabaka of Buganda was barred from visiting the district, leading to riots in Kampala that claimed 30 lives.
Population
The district has experienced steady growth:
- 1991: 236,200 residents
- 2002: 294,600 residents
- 2012: 358,700 residents
- 2014 Census: 368,064 residents (181,920 males and 186,142 females)
Population density is estimated at 231 persons per km². Kayunga is culturally diverse, hosting people from over 75% of Uganda’s ethnic groups.
Economy
Agriculture dominates the economy, employing about 90% of the population. Farming is both subsistence and commercial. Key crops include:
- Vanilla
- Pineapples
- Cassava
- Matooke
- Maize
- Millet
- Passion fruit
- Watermelon
Additionally, about 30% of arable land is dedicated to large-scale sugarcane plantations, largely owned by the Mehta and Madhvani families. This has spurred investment but also led to land wrangles involving local leaders, politicians, and communities.
Key Features
- Located in Central Uganda, northeast of Kampala.
- Known for cash crop farming, especially pineapples, vanilla, and sugarcane.
- Population is highly diverse, representing the majority of Uganda’s ethnic groups.
- District website: www.kayunga.go.ug
