Kasese, Uganda

Welcome to Kasese, a vibrant town located in the Western Region of Uganda. As the capital of Kasese District and the largest town in the Rwenzururu region, Kasese is a hub of activity and a gateway to some of Uganda’s most popular national parks. With a population of over 115,000 people, Kasese is a bustling town that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Location:
Kasese is situated approximately 280 kilometers (170 miles) east of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. It is also located 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of Mpondwe, a town at the international border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The town lies north of Lake George and east of the Rwenzori Mountains, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Population:
Kasese has a rich history of population growth, with the town experiencing rapid expansion during the 1990s. The town’s population has grown from 7,213 people in 1969 to an estimated 115,400 inhabitants in 2020. This growth can be attributed to increased tourism, trade with the eastern districts of the DRC, and the presence of large employers such as Kilembe Mines and Hima Cement Limited.

Industry:
Kasese is home to a number of industries, including Kasese Cobalt Company Limited (KCCL), which extracts cobalt from the sludge left after copper is extracted from the raw ore. Kilembe Mines, located approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) north of Kasese, is another major employer in the area, with over 3,000 workers as of January 2015. The company maintains a private hospital and a 5 megawatt mini-hydropower plant, Mubuku I Power Station, that supplies the town of Kasese.

Points of Interest:
Kasese is home to a number of points of interest, including the Seat of Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu, the headquarters of Kasese District, and the offices of Kasese town council. Visitors can also explore Kasese central market, a branch of the National Social Security Fund, and Kasese Airport. For those interested in history, Kilembe Mines offers a fascinating glimpse into the area’s mining past, while the Kilembe Mines Hospital provides a vital community service with its 200 beds.

For nature lovers, Kasese is the perfect base for exploring Queen Elizabeth National Park and the Rwenzori National Park. Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most popular national parks, offering visitors the chance to see a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and chimpanzees. The Rwenzori National Park is home to the Rwenzori Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors stunning views and challenging hiking trails.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Kasese has something to offer everyone. So why not plan your next adventure to this vibrant town and discover all that it has to offer?