Kasese, Uganda
Region: Kasese District
Geographic Coordinates: 0.186700, 30.088100
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 30.0°C (59°F to 86°F)
Climate: Kasese, Uganda experiences a tropical climate with two rainy seasons and two dry seasons throughout the year.
Population: 115400
Language: Luganda
Kasese is a town located in the western region of Uganda, Bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is situated at an altitude of 1, 800 meters above sea level and has an estimated population of over 100, 000 people. The town is known for its stunning landscapes that are characterized by rolling hills, Lush green vegetation and towering mountains. One of the most popular attractions in Kasese is the Rwenzori Mountains National Park which lies just a few kilometers from the town center.
The park is home to some of Africa’s highest peaks including Mount Stanley and Mount Speke which rise to heights of over 5, 000 meters. Visitors can take guided hikes through the park’s diverse terrain which includes dense forests, Glaciers and alpine meadows. Another attraction in Kasese worth visiting is Lake George which lies on the border between Uganda and DR Congo. The lake offers visitors an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife including hippos, Crocodiles and numerous bird species such as pelicans and storks. Kasese also has a rich cultural heritage that dates back several centuries.
Visitors can learn about local traditions by visiting traditional villages such as Kasenda where they can witness cultural dances performed by locals wearing colorful attire. In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, Kasese also has a thriving economy with agriculture being one of its main industries. The region produces crops such as coffee, Maize, Beans and bananas which are sold both locally and internationally.
Despite being relatively small compared to other towns in Uganda, Kasese boasts modern amenities such as hospitals, Schoolsand shopping centers making it an ideal destination for both tourists looking for adventureas well as business travelers seeking new opportunities. Overall, Kasese offers visitors a unique blendof natural beauty, Cultural heritage, And economic opportunities making itoneofthe most fascinating places to visitinUgandaand East Africaat large
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Kilembe Mines
- Mweya Safari Lodge
- Lake Katwe Salt Mines
- Nyamwamba River Bridge
- Kazinga Channel
- Kasenyi Plains
- Kyambura Gorge
- Mahoma Falls
Major Industries and Businesses in Kasese, Uganda
- Mining
- Agriculture
- Tourism
- Manufacturing
- Trading
- Health care services
- Education services
Mining
Kasese is known for its mineral deposits such as copper, cobalt, limestone and salt.
Agriculture
The fertile soils of Kasese make it a hub for agriculture with crops such as coffee, maize, beans bananas and vegetables being grown.
Tourism
Kasese has several tourist attractions including Queen Elizabeth National Park which attracts visitors from all over the world.
Manufacturing
There are also several small-scale manufacturing industries in Kasese that produce products such as soap textiles and furniture.
Trading
The town of Kasese serves as a trading center for the surrounding communities with markets selling goods ranging from foodstuffs to household items.
Health Care Services
Additionally there are several hospitals and health centers in Kasese providing medical services to the local population.
Education Services
Finally there are many schools in the area offering education services to children from primary school up to university level at Mountains of the Moon University located just outside the town of Kasese.
- Rwenzururu Kingdom: Kasese is the home of the Rwenzururu Kingdom, which was founded in 1962 by King Charles Wesley Mumbere. The kingdom has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its traditional dances, music, and customs.
- Kilembe Mines: Kasese is also home to the Kilembe Mines, which were once one of the largest copper mines in Africa. The mines were opened in 1956 and operated until they were closed down in 1982 due to political instability.
- ADF insurgency: In recent years, Kasese has been affected by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) insurgency that began in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The ADF has been responsible for several attacks on civilians and security forces in the region.
- Yoweri Museveni: President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda was born in Ntungamo District but spent much of his childhood in Kasese where his mother worked as a nurse at a local hospital.
- John Akii-Bua: Olympic gold medalist John Akii-Bua was born near Kasese and grew up there before moving to Kampala to pursue his athletics career. He won gold at the 1972 Munich Olympics in the 400-meter hurdles event.
- Edward Rugumayo: Ugandan politician Edward Rugumayo was born near Kasese and served as Minister of Foreign Affairs under President Milton Obote from 1964-1970.
- Idi Amin: Former Ugandan dictator Idi Amin had a military base near Fort Portal which is close to Kasese town during his rule from 1971-1979.
- Archbishop Janani Luwum: Archbishop Janani Luwum was an Anglican bishop who spoke out against human rights abuses committed by the government of Idi Amin. He was arrested and killed in 1977, and is remembered as a martyr for his faith and his commitment to justice.
- Dora Musinguzi: Dora Musinguzi was a Ugandan journalist who worked for Radio West in Kasese before being killed in 2008. Her murder remains unsolved, but it is believed that she was targeted because of her reporting on corruption and human rights abuses in the region.
- Christopher Kibanzanga: Christopher Kibanzanga is a Ugandan politician who has served as Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries since 2016. He was born in Kasese District and has been active in politics since the early 2000s.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park
- Kilembe Mines Museum
- Muhokya Community Conservation and Development Association (MCCDA)
- Kasese War Memorial Monument
- Kasese Heritage Trail
- Nyakasanga Market
- Kabarole District Cultural Center
- Lake Katwe Salt Mining Village
- Kasenda Crater Lakes Region
- Rwenzori International Cultural Festival is a celebration of the diverse cultures in the Rwenzori region. The festival features traditional dances, music, food, and crafts.
- Kasese Tourism Week is a week-long event that showcases the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Kasese. Activities include hiking, bird watching, cultural performances, and local food tasting.
- Kilembe Mines Heritage Day is an annual event that commemorates the history of mining in Kasese through guided tours of former copper mines and exhibitions on local mining practices.
- Bakonzo Cultural Festival celebrates the customs and traditions of the Bakonzo people through dance performances, storytelling sessions, and displays of traditional dress.
- Nsenene Festival takes place during the rainy season when grasshoppers are abundant in Kasese. This festival celebrates this delicacy with cooking competitions and tastings.
- Kabarole-Kasese Food Fair is a celebration of local cuisine featuring a variety of dishes made from fresh produce grown in Kabarole-Kasese region.
- Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday marking end to Ramadan which is celebrated with feasting by Muslims across Uganda including those living around Kasese.
- Kasese Town Restaurant – a popular restaurant that serves local Ugandan dishes such as matooke, rice, beans, and beef stew.
- Rwenzori View Guest House – a guest house with an on-site restaurant that serves traditional Ugandan dishes such as matoke, g-nut sauce, and smoked fish.
- Karibu Restaurant – a cozy restaurant that offers African cuisine including roasted chicken and goat meat with vegetables.
- Nsenene Hotel & Lodge – this hotel has an on-site restaurant that offers both Western and traditional Ugandan cuisine.
- Cafe Barrista – a cafe-style restaurant offering coffee drinks and light bites like sandwiches, pastries or burgers.
- Mweya Safari Lodge – it is one of the most luxurious lodges in Queen Elizabeth National Park which offers international cuisines alongside local delicacies like smoked fish from Lake George or Nile perch fillets from the Nile River.
- Queen Elizabeth National Park is a popular destination for wildlife viewing, bird watching, and boat safaris on the Kazinga Channel.
- Rwenzori Mountains National Park is home to the Rwenzori Mountains, which offer hiking and mountaineering opportunities.
- Kasese Town Park is a public park in the center of Kasese town with playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.
- Lake George is a large freshwater lake that offers fishing and boating activities.
- Mweya Safari Lodge is a luxury lodge located within Queen Elizabeth National Park that offers guided tours and activities such as game drives, nature walks, and cultural experiences.
- Kyambura Gorge is a scenic gorge with hiking trails that offer views of chimpanzees and other wildlife.
- Kasenyi Plains are an open savannah area in Queen Elizabeth National Park where visitors can spot lions, elephants, buffalos, and other animals.
- Katwe Salt Lake is a salt mining lake where tourists can experience salt mining practices as well as birdwatching activities.
