Bugisu | |
|---|---|
Sub-region of Uganda | |
 Interactive map of Bugisu | |
| Country | Uganda |
| Region | Eastern Region |
| Largest city | Mbale City |
| Districts and city (NPHC 2024 reporting) | |
| Population (2024 census) | |
• Total | 1,827,757[1] |
| • Density | 741/km2 (1,920/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+3 (EAT) |
Bugisu sub-region is a sub-region in the Eastern Region of Uganda. In national statistics, it is one of the sub-region groupings used for census tabulation and planning.[1] The sub-region lies on the western slopes and foothills of Mount Elgon along the Uganda–Kenya border.[2]
Bugisu sub-region consists of the following districts:
- Bududa District
- Bulambuli District
- Manafwa District
- Mbale District
- Namisindwa District
- Sironko District
The sub-region is home mainly to the Gisu people, also called Bagisu, (singular is Mugisu). The Bagisu speak Lugisu, a dialect of Lumasaba, a Bantu language. Lugisu is very similar to the Bukusu language spoken of the Bukusu people of Kenya.
According to the 2002 national census, the Bugisu sub-region was home to an estimated 1 million people at that time.[3]
Geography
[edit]Bugisu includes highland and mid-altitude landscapes associated with Mount Elgon. Mount Elgon National Park protects the higher slopes of the mountain on the Uganda–Kenya border, with a protected area of 1,145 km² and peak elevation of 4,321 m (Wagagai).[2][4]
Administrative units
[edit]In the NPHC 2024 reporting framework, Bugisu sub-region comprises Bududa, Bulambuli, Manafwa, Mbale, Mbale City, Namisindwa, and Sironko.[1] The 2024 census profile reports 15 counties, 176 subcounties, and 974 parishes or wards across these local governments.[1]
Namisindwa District became operational on 1 July 2017.[5] Mbale City became operational on 1 July 2020.[6]
Demographics
[edit]According to the National Population and Housing Census profile for Bugisu, the sub-region recorded a household population of 1,803,280 and a non-household population of 24,477, giving a total of 1,827,757 in 2024.[1] The profile reports 446,015 households and an average household size of 4.0.[1]
Selected 2024 indicators reported for Bugisu include:
- Children (0–17 years): 867,572.[1]
- Youth (15–24 years): 391,787.[1]
- Working age group (14–64 years): 1,062,193.[1]
- Older persons (60+ years): 115,864.[1]
- Total fertility rate (15–49 years): 4.7.[1]
- Population density: 741 persons per km².[1]
The same census profile shows a total population of 1,469,892 in 2014 and 1,827,757 in 2024 for Bugisu sub-region.[1]
| Local government | Type | Population (2014) | Population (2024) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bududa | District | 210,173 | 268,970 | [7] |
| Bulambuli | District | 174,513 | 235,391 | [7] |
| Manafwa | District | 149,544 | 186,917 | [7] |
| Mbale | District | 222,343 | 290,356 | [7] |
| Mbale City | City | 266,617 | 290,414 | [7] |
| Namisindwa | District | 204,281 | 257,346 | [7] |
| Sironko | District | 242,421 | 298,363 | [7] |
Economy
[edit]Agriculture is a major source of livelihoods in Bugisu. Arabica coffee from the Mount Elgon area is graded and marketed under Mt Elgon and Bugisu-related grades in Uganda’s coffee standards and trade practice.[8]
The Bugisu Co-operative Union (BCU) was registered in July 1954 and is a long-running cooperative institution associated with coffee marketing in and around Bugisu, with headquarters in Mbale.[9] Uganda Coffee Development Authority export reporting lists “Bugisu C” among Arabica grades and reports realised export prices by grade in its monthly market reports.[10]
Culture and languages
[edit]Bugisu is closely associated with the Bagisu (also known as Bamasaba). Lugisu is one of the varieties of the Masaba language (Lumasaba).
The Imbalu ceremonies are a major cultural practice among Bamasaaba communities in eastern Uganda. UNESCO documents Imbalu as a living tradition and cultural practice, including community rites that culminate in traditional circumcision of initiates.[11] WHO reporting on public health engagement in the region describes Imbalu as a widely observed ceremony held in a two-year cycle, commonly between August and December.[12]
Environment and risk
[edit]Parts of Bugisu on the Mount Elgon slopes face recurring landslide risk. Peer-reviewed public health and disaster assessments describe the 1 March 2010 Mount Elgon landslide in Bududa District as a major event that caused large loss of life and displacement, and triggered emergency WASH and public health response needs.[13]
Major settlements
[edit]Mbale City is the largest urban centre in the sub-region and became operational as a city on 1 July 2020.[6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n County and Subcounty Profiles – Bugisu Sub-Region (National Population and Housing Census 2024), Volume 2 (PDF) (Report). Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS). June 2025. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ^ a b Mount Elgon National Park, Park at a Glance (PDF) (Report). Uganda Wildlife Authority. 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ^ Estimated Population of Bugisu Sub-region In 2002
- ^ "Mount Elgon National Park". Uganda Wildlife Authority. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ^ "Elections of Interim District Chairpersons in Newly Created Districts". Electoral Commission of Uganda. 28 June 2017. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ^ a b "History". Mbale City. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Bugisu (Subregion, Uganda) – Population Statistics". CityPopulation.de. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ^ Arabica Coffee Handbook (PDF) (Report). Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ^ "Our History". Bugisu Co-operative Union. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ^ UCDA Monthly Report, December 2023 (PDF) (Report). Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). January 2024. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ^ "Imbalu ceremonies". UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ^ "WHO Guides the Bagisu Community on Carrying out a Cultural Norm while observing COVID-19 Guidelines". WHO Regional Office for Africa. 17 February 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2025.
- ^ Atuyambe, LM; et al. (2011). "Landslide disaster in eastern Uganda: rapid assessment of water, sanitation and hygiene situation in Bulucheke camp, Bududa district". Environmental Health. 10 (38). Retrieved 16 December 2025.
External links
[edit]Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS)
UBOS NPHC 2024 Bugisu Sub-Region profile report (Volume 2): https://www.ubos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Bugisu-Sub-Region-Census-2024-Profile-Report.pdf
Uganda Wildlife Authority, Mount Elgon National Park: https://ugandawildlife.org/national-parks/mount-elgon-national-park/
01°12′N 34°24′E / 1.200°N 34.400°E
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