Ankole sub-region
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Ankole sub-region | |
|---|---|
Subregion | |
  Ankole sub-region | |
| Country | Uganda |
| Region | Western Region |
| Largest city | Mbarara City |
| Area | |
• Total | 15,067[1] km2 (5,817 sq mi) |
| Population (2024 census) | |
• Total | 3,608,968[2][3] |
| • Density | 239.5/km2 (620/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (EAT) |
| Districts and city | Buhweju, Bushenyi, Ibanda, Isingiro, Kazo, Kiruhura, Mbarara, Mitooma, Ntungamo, Rubirizi, Rwampara, Sheema, Mbarara City |
The Ankore (Nkore before the colonial era) was a traditional Bantu Kingdom in Uganda and lasted from the 15th century until 1967. The kingdom was located in the southwestern of Uganda.
Ankole sub-region is a region in the Western Region of Uganda[4] that consists of the following districts:
- Buhweju District
- Bushenyi District
- Ibanda District
- Isingiro District
- Kazo District
- Kiruhura District
- Mbarara District
- Mbarara City
- Mitooma District
- Ntungamo District
- Rwampara District
- Rubirizi District
- Sheema District.
The area covered by the above districts constituted the traditional Ankole Kingdom.[5] Milton Obote abolished the traditional kingdoms in Uganda in 1967.[6] This was a bold political move that ended centuries of royal rule and centralized authority under his government.[6] When Yoweri Museveni re-established them in 1993, Ankole did not re-constitute itself.[7]
The sub-region is home mainly to the Ankole ethnic group. The people of Ankole are called Banyankole (singular: Munyankole).[8] The Banyankole speak Runyankole, a Bantu language. Runyankole is very similar to Rukiga, spoken by the people of the neighboring Kigezi sub-region.[9] According to the 2014 national census,[10] the Ankole sub-region was home to an estimated 2.56 million people at that time.[11]
The subregion lies in south-western Uganda within the Western Region administrative grouping used by UBOS.[12]
Protected areas linked to districts in the subregion include:
- Lake Mburo National Park (associated with Kiruhura District).[13]
- Queen Elizabeth National Park (associated with Rubirizi District).[14]
Demographics
In the 2024 National Population and Housing Census, Ankole sub-region recorded a population of 3,608,968.[15][3]
Population structure (2024 census):
- Male: 1,684,729
- Female: 1,924,239[3]
Age groups (2024 census):
- 0–14 years: 1,372,108
- 15–64 years: 2,084,082
- 65+ years: 152,778[3]
UBOS subregional profile reporting for the 2024 census lists 842,783 households for Ankole sub-region.[16]
District and city populations (2024 census):[3]
- Buhweju: 167,921
- Bushenyi: 283,392
- Ibanda: 309,466
- Isingiro: 635,077
- Kazo: 208,898
- Kiruhura: 203,502
- Mbarara District: 174,039
- Mbarara City: 264,425
- Mitooma: 226,009
- Ntungamo: 552,786
- Rubirizi: 168,211
- Rwampara: 162,967
- Sheema: 252,275
Economy
Livestock and dairy value chains form a major part of local livelihoods in south-western Uganda, with Mbarara frequently referenced in dairy supply and handling studies.[17]
Indigenous Ankole Longhorn cattle remain culturally significant and are documented by FAO as a hardy local breed valued by pastoral communities in the Ankole area.[18]
Culture and languages
Education
Mbarara City hosts higher education institutions including Mbarara University of Science and Technology.[20] The city also hosts Bishop Stuart University (see official admissions portal).[21]