Fort Portal, town in Western Uganda
Fort Portal is a town in Western Uganda positioned at 1,480 meters (4,856 feet) elevation, nestled between the Rwenzori Mountains and the Queen Elizabeth and Kibale National Parks. This location among mountains and protected lands makes it a natural hub for visitors exploring the surrounding natural areas.
The town was established in the 1890s by a British diplomatic mission and named after Sir Gerald Herbert Portal, the British Consul General to Zanzibar. This colonial-era founding shaped its development into an important regional administrative center.
The town serves as the seat of the Toro Kingdom, where the traditional monarch Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV presides over cultural ceremonies and royal affairs. The royal presence shapes local identity and brings a sense of historical continuity to daily life.
The town provides access to hospitals and medical services, including a regional referral hospital with several hundred beds for emergency care. Visitors should account for the high elevation, which affects climate and comfort, especially during extended stays.
In 2020, the town received the designation of Tourism City, incorporating several surrounding neighborhoods and sub-counties into its expanded administrative structure. This recognition reflected its growing importance as a gateway to the region's national parks and mountain areas.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
