Western Region

The Western Region encompasses mountainous terrain, forests, and lake systems spread across several administrative districts throughout the area. Major towns like Mbarara serve as hubs that connect the various districts and shape the region's infrastructure.

Under British colonial rule, the area functioned as a province before becoming the modern administrative region following Uganda's independence in 1962. This transformation reshaped boundaries and governance structures to create the region as it exists today.

Several ethnic communities throughout the region speak their own languages and practice traditional ceremonies that shape daily life in villages and towns. You can see these customs reflected in local markets, festivals, and the way people gather in their communities.

Roads link the district centers and connect to neighboring regions, though conditions may change with the season. Public transportation runs between major towns, but schedules are not always fixed, so flexibility when traveling is helpful.

The region protects national parks where visitors can watch mountain gorillas in their natural setting, a rare opportunity. These parks showcase mountain forests and a biologically rich environment that supports these primates and countless other animal species.

Location: Uganda

Capital city: Mbarara City

Elevation above the sea: 1,473 m

Shares border with: Central Region

GPS coordinates: -0.65000,30.68330

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06