Kisoro District - Overview

Overview

Kisoro District is tucked away in the southwestern corner of Uganda, where it borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It covers an area of approximately 729.7 square kilometres (281.7 sq mi). About 3.88% of the district is covered by open water. Another 2.95% is covered by wetlands and national forest reserves cover another 0.96%. The District is mountainous and hilly and rises an average of 1,980 metres (6,500 ft) above sea level. Due to the delicate nature of the environment and the pressure of a rapidly increasing population, the natural environment in Kisoro District is under severe threat of degradation.

The district was formed in 1992. Prior to that it was known as Bufumbira County and was part of Kabale District. Kisoro District has 13 subcounties Kanaba,Nyakabande,Chahi,Murora,Kisoro Town Council,Nyarusiza,Nyakinama,Nyarubuye,Muramba,Busanza,Nyabwishenya,Kirundo,Nyundo and has four (4) parliamentary constituencies:

• Bufumbira South - Hon. Tress Bucyanayandi
• Bufumbira North - Hon. John Nizeyimana Kamara
• Bufumbira East - Hon. Eddie Wagahungu Kwizera
• Bufumbira Women's Representative - Hon. Sarah Mateke Nyirabashitsi

It formerly had chiefs such as Rukeribuga, Semafara Rudovik, Sebukweto, Mizerero,Mikekemo and many others most of whom where appointed by Rukeribuga and Abdullah who was the district commissioner. The last great chief was Ntibiringirwa John Semafara who was the Resident District Commissioner of Oyam district.