It is sometimes nicknamed "Kastone" as in the local Rukiga language, a "kabale" is a small stone.
Location
lake bunyonyi
Kabale city, largest city in Kigezi Region and second largest city in the Western Region of Uganda only behind Mbarara City, is located in the Kabale District of the Kigezi sub-region. It is about 142 kilometres (88mi) southwest of Mbarara, the largest city in the Western Region of Uganda. This is approximately 410 kilometres (250mi), by road, southwest of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city. The town lies 2,000 metres (6,600ft) above sea level with the coordinates: 01 15 00S, 29 59 24E (Latitude:-1.2500; 29.9900).
Climate
Kabale is known for its cool, cold, and often foggy climate, largely due to its high altitude and mountainous landscape. The area experiences pleasant temperatures compared with many other parts of Uganda, with mist and fog commonly occurring in the mornings and during cooler periods. Kabale is also well known for its beautiful scenery, including attractive sunsets over the hills and valleys, making the town and surrounding areas appealing for residents, visitors, and tourists.
Kabale is renowned for its cool, crisp, and often misty climate, a distinctive feature created by its high altitude and spectacular mountainous landscape. Early mornings are frequently wrapped in soft blankets of fog that drift across the hills and valleys, creating a calm and refreshing atmosphere.
The cool temperatures, green terraced hills, and fresh mountain air give Kabale a unique character compared with many other parts of Uganda. As evening approaches, the skies often transform into beautiful shades of orange, pink, and gold as the sun sets behind the surrounding hills, creating breathtaking views and adding to the natural beauty of the city.
Population
In 1969, the national census that year enumerated 18,234 people in Kabale. According to the national census of 1980, that population had grown to 121,469. In 1991, the census that year enumerated 129,246 inhabitants. In the 2002 national census, Kabale had 141,344 residents. The 2014 national census and household survey enumerated 249,186 people. In 2020, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) estimated the mid-year population if the town at 353,200. UBOS calculated that the population of Kabale city, grew at an average rate of 2.36 percent, annually, between 2014 and 2020.
Therefore, as of 2026, Kabale City can be described as an expanding urban centre with an estimated population of approximately 519,651 people.
Economic activities
Kabale's economy is mainly driven by agriculture, trade, tourism, transport, and small-scale businesses. Agriculture is an important economic activity, with farmers producing crops such as Irish potatoes, vegetables, bananas, beans, and tea for both local consumption and commercial markets.
The City also serves as a major trading centre for agricultural products from the surrounding areas. Other activities include retail and wholesale businesses, restaurants, hotels, banking, transport services, construction, and various informal businesses. Tourism also contributes to the local economy because of Kabale's proximity to attractions such as Lake Bunyonyi, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park.
Tourism City
Kabale and the wider Kigezi sub-region are rich in natural beauty and offer a variety of attractions for visitors. One of the most famous is Lake Bunyonyi, known for its numerous islands, scenic hills, cool climate, and spectacular views. It is often described as Uganda's deepest lake, with commonly cited estimates placing its maximum depth at around 900 feet (274 m), although the exact depth has been debated.
Other attractions include the beautiful terraced hills of Kigezi, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, famous for mountain gorilla trekking, and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, which offers gorilla trekking, golden monkey tracking, and spectacular volcanic mountain scenery.
Hotels
Visitors can also explore Lake Mutanda, volcanic landscapes, cultural communities, and scenic viewpoints around the region. Kabale and Kigezi also have a growing range of hotels, lodges, guesthouses, restaurants, and lakeside resorts, providing accommodation ranging from beautiful stays to more luxurious experiences.
Points of interest
The other points of interest within the town limits or close to the edges of town include the following:
Kabale southern Division
Uganda
