bughenderainfocentre.com

Population and Demographics

Overview

Bughendera County is home to a vibrant and growing population. According to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census (NPHC), the county has a total population of 100,050 residents. As the region prepares to transition into an independent district, these figures highlight the urgent need for expanded social services and infrastructure to support its 14 administrative units.

Key Population Statistics (2024 Census)
  • Total Population: 100,050
  • Female Population: 52,531 (52.5%)
  • Male Population: 47,519 (47.5%)
  • Population Density: 142.9 persons per square kilometre
  • Total Households: Approximately 18,500 households
Age Structure & Social Indicators
  • A Young Population: Over 48% of the population is below the age of 15. There are currently 20,365 children of primary school age (6-12 years) living within the county.
  • Diverse Community: While the region is primarily mountainous, Bughendera remains a home for everyone, attracting people from various backgrounds involved in trade, agriculture, and cross-border commerce.
  • Settlement Patterns: The majority of the population lives in high-altitude rural areas, making the “last mile” delivery of healthcare and education a top priority for the new district leadership

Administrative Unit

Total Population

Male

Female

Ntotoro Sub-county

11,794

5,544

6,250

Ntandi Town Council

10,356

4,861

5,495

Ngamba Sub-county

9,329

4,416

4,913

Harugali Sub-county

8,890

4,181

4,709

Sindila Sub-county

8,181

3,888

4,293

Bukonzo Sub-county

8,003

3,822

4,181

Burondo Sub-county

7,914

3,775

4,139

Butama-Mitunda T.C.

7,602

3,478

4,124

Mabere Sub-county

6,536

3,293

3,243

Kasitu Sub-county

4,800

2,396

2,404

Ngite Sub-county

4,578

2,132

2,446

Ndugutu Sub-county

4,537

2,176

2,361

Kagughu Sub-county

3,892

1,836

2,056

Mbatya Sub-county

3,638

1,721

1,91

The Engine of Bughendera

Bughendera is an agricultural powerhouse. Highlighting how residents earn their living shows the County’s economic value to Uganda.

  • Cocoa Farming: Bundibugyo produces over 70% of Uganda’s cocoa exports. You can mention that cocoa prices recently hit record highs of up to Shs 31,000 per kg, transforming local livelihoods.
The rugged beauty of the Rwenzori ranges makes Bughendera a hidden gem for ecotourism.
  • Sempaya Hot Springs: Located in Semuliki National Park, these famous geothermal features include the “male” (Bintente) and “female” (Nyasimbi) springs, where water boils at over 100°C.
 The “Black Gold” of the Valleys
Known locally as “black gold,” vanilla has become one of the most lucrative crops in Bughendera. Its high market value has transformed the livelihoods of many residents, particularly in the lower-lying areas and fertile valleys.
While cocoa dominates the lowlands, coffee is the primary cash crop for the mountainous sub-counties of Bughendera. Thriving in the cool, high-altitude climate of the Rwenzori ranges, coffee provides a steady income for thousands of smallholder farmers.