Masaka District
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| Masaka District | |
|---|---|
| District | |
 District location in Uganda |
|
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| Country |  Uganda |
| Region | Central Uganda |
| Capital | Masaka |
| Area | |
| • Land | 1,295.6 km2 (500.2 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,115 m (3,658 ft) |
| Population (2012 Estimate) | |
| • Total | 251,600 |
| • Density | 194.2/km2 (503/sq mi) |
| Time zone | EAT (UTC+3) |
| Website | www |
Masaka District is a district in Central Uganda. Its main town is Masaka, whose estimated population in 2011 was 74,100.[1]
Contents
Location
The district is bordered by Bukomansimbi District to the northwest, Kalungu District to the north, Kalangala District to the east and south, Rakai District to the southwest and Lwengo District to the west.[2] Masaka, where the district headquarters are located, lies approximately 140 kilometres (87 mi), by road, southwest of Kampala on the highway to Mbarara.[3] The coordinates of the district are:00 30S, 31 45E. The average altitude of the district is 1,115 metres (3,658 ft) above sea level.
Overview
Masaka District was established in the 1900s comprising what were the Buganda Kingdom counties of Buddu, Kooki, Kabula, Mawogola and Ssese Islands. Initially, Kooki and Kabula were peeled off to form Rakai District. Later, the northern part of Rakai District was removed to form Lyantonde District. The Ssese Islands were removed to form Kalangala District. In 1997, Mawogola County was split from Buddu and was named Sembabule District. Buddu remained as Masaka District. In 2010, Buddu itself was split into four districts namely: (a) Masaka District (b) Bukomansimbi District (c) Kalungu District and (d) Lwengo District.
Administratively, the district council is the highest political authority. The council has 43 members headed by a District Chairperson. The technical team at the district is subdivided into the following directories:[4] 1. Education & Sports 2. Health & Environment 3. Works & Technical Services 4. Production & Marketing 5. Finance & Planning 6. Management Support Services 7. Gender & Community Services.
Population
The 1991 national population census estimated the district population at about 203,600. The 2002 census estimated the population of the district at about 228,200, with an annual population growth rate of 1.0%. It is estimated that in 2012, the population of Masaka District was about 251,600.[5]
Culture and Ethnic composition
The district has a rich cultural heritage. It has also a diversity of ethnicities. The majority of the people are Baganda followed by the Banyankole, Banyarwanda and Banyoro. But most of the tribes practice Buganda culture. The main language spoken is Luganda.
Economic activities
The major economic activities in Masaka District include:
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- Food crop agriculture (matooke, sweet bananas, pineapples, and tomatoes),
- Cash crop agriculture (coffee and cotton),
- Animal Ranching (cattle, goats, and chicken)
- Fishing on Lake Victoria
- Fish farming
- Coffee processing
- Manufacture of soft drinks
- Metal fabrication/welding
- Cotton ginning
- Retail trade in food products and manufactured goods.
- The main staples are millet and Matooke.
