Sembabule District

Location

Sembabule District is bordered by Mubende District to the north, Gomba District to the northeast, Bukomansimbi District to the east, Lwengo District to the south, Lyantonde District to the southwest, and Kiruhura District to the northwest. The town of Sembabule is approximately 48 kilometres (30 mi), by road, northwest of Masaka, the largest town in the sub-region.

Overview

Sembabule District was carved out of Masaka District in 1997. The district is generally a rural district that receives relatively low rainfall and has long dry spells. This greatly affects agriculture, but cattle keeping is not seriously affected. Some cattle are reared on ranches. Ranching and dairy farming are the backbone of the district's economy.

Administratively, the district has two counties (Lwemiyaga and Mawogola Counties) that are divided into the following sub-counties:

Population

In 1991, the national population census estimated the district population at 144,040. The 2002 national census estimated the population at 180,050, with an annual growth rate of 2 percent. In 2012, the population was estimated at 219,600.

Economic activities

Agriculture is the mainstay of the district economy. Agriculture involves both crop and animal husbandry. Because of the relatively dry climate, cattle ranching for beef and dairy farming are the most important economic activities in the district. Fish farming is being implemented increasingly in the district as well. The produce of the district is marketed in Uganda's larger cities and in area towns including Kampala, Masaka, and Rakai. The crops grown for food and sale include:

Points of interest

In the region around Bwera, there is a site known as Bigo bya Mugenyi, which appears to be the location of human settlement dating back to the late Iron Age (1200 - 1000BC). Excavations at the site have yielded iron blades (most probably used for harvesting grain), pottery with simple decorations, cattle dung, and post-holes for fencing.