Kanungu Region

We work in Kanungu in the far Southwest of Uganda because it is a region in great need of help. That doesn’t make it sound very nice. Actually, it is a beautiful place with warm, welcoming and happy people.

It is a joy to visit rural Uganda, to walk the hills, see the wildlife and, most importantly, meet the local people. Lack of money certainly doesn’t limit their hospitality. And, everywhere you go, smiling children stop what they are doing to wave at mzungo (white visitors) driving past.

It is a long drive from Kampala, the capital, to Kanungu and its neighbouring districts Rukungiri, Kabale and Kisoro. The last two hours are on dirt roads so travel is slow but the scenery makes up for the delay. If you are interested in visiting, do get in touch with us for introductions and travel tips.

This page provides some facts about Kanungu, an introduction to the people and photographs of the area taken by trustees and supporters (not professional photographers).

Kanungu in Southwestern Uganda, where we work

More about Kanungu

Kanungu Hills

Kanungu from the Hills

This photo was taken during a field trip to the beautiful hills above Kanungu. You can see the strip of development along the main road out of town. This view will look very different in a couple of years when the dirt road is replaced by the new tarmac.

When seen from this distance, Kanungu Town looks smaller than it is, but you can see that this is a very rural population who mainly do not live in town.

Kanungu Town

November 2019

Village life

A village near Kanungu

These photos illustrate a small village near Kanungu and what life offers to children who are not able to attend one of our schools.

Children not able to attend our school

November 2019

Growing tea

Tea is one of the few export crops which can generate cash for the region. It is hard work tending the tea plants on the steep hillsides.

Tea on a hillside

November 2019

Shopping

Kanungu shop

These are typical shops where you can buy household essentials and shoes.

Shopkeeper watching her daughter

November 2019

Food and accommodation

Small guest house

Many people set up simple businesses such as this small guest house and this roadside bar.

Roadside bar

November 2019

Making and selling gifts

A small gift shop

Kanungu is not yet on the tourist map but there are a few visitors. This lady is earning some much-needed cash by making and selling gifts using local materials.

A villager making gifts

November 2019

Beautifully dressed & friendly

Ladies going shopping

Everybody you meet around Kanungu is friendly and people (especially women) are always beautifully dressed.

Motorcyclists

November 2019

Tasting local food

Fried grasshoppers

In November everybody loves to catch the vast numbers of grasshoppers who visit Kanungu. They are considered a delicacy when fried.

We were cautious at first but actually they taste rather like whitebait and eating them is no more remarkable.

November 2019

Some facts and figures

Agriculture

The area is fertile and most people work on the land. The main crops are:

bananas
beans
cassava
coffee
maize
matoke

peas
potatoes
rice
sorghum
sweet potatoes
tea

Source: Wikipedia

Kanungu Facts

Statistics about the area where we work…

Number of children:	53% of people are below 17 years
No of orphans:	One parent: 8.8% No parents: 2.6%
Education completed:	Primary: 70% Secondary: 13% Above: 3%
Distance to fetch water:	64% > ½km
Inside facilities:	Kitchen: 11% Bathroom: 9%
Main income:	Subsistence farming: 73%

Source: Uganda Bureau of Statistics

Uganda Facts

Statistics about Uganda (including wealthier urban areas)…

Population:	41m
Living below $1.90 per day:	35% of the population
Life expectancy:	59 years
Gross National Income:	$660 per person per year
Gross National Income:	1% per person annual growth

Source: World Bank

Kanungu Gallery

Here are some photos of the community around Kanungu to give a feel for life the area.

Visit Uganda

Uganda is a beautiful country.

These photographs from around Uganda illustrate why it is called «The Pearl of Africa» and helps explain why so many visitors fall in love with the region and its people.

The wildlife photos were taken at some of Uganda’s national parks, which use tourist dollars to provide a habitat and protection for a wonderful range of animals, birds and plants.

I have included some photos from travelling around the country. It is safe and a great place to visit, with welcoming people, a mild climate and few problems for visitors other than its poor infrastructure. Although most tourists come for safaris, the countryside is lovely with the chance to walk in hills which have been likened to Switzerland.

Uganda is less visited than some surrounding countries (which have more spectacular safaris) making it my favourite destination in Africa.

Everywhere in Uganda you meet lively, smiling kids

Queen Elizabeth National Park

QENP is a large, wild park in the far Southwest of Uganda comprising bush and savannah. You can easily see elephant, cape buffalo, Uganda cob, waterbuck, hippos etc. Lions (sometimes resting on the branches of trees) and leopards are more difficult to spot. And the birdlife is fantastic, especially taking a boat ride along the Kazinga Channel.

Lake Mburo National Park

Lake Mburo is a beautiful open park half way between Kampala and our projects in the South West. You can stay in lodges including Mweya, which has a commanding position above the savannah by a salt lick which attracts wildlife all day. The views from the “tents” is stunning. You will see zebra, impala, topi, eland, bush buck, buffalo and warthog. The boat trip on the lake is highly recommended to view birds, crocodiles and hippos. You can arrange walking or horse-riding safaris with a guide; riding is a special experience as you are amongst the wild animals and get a great view from up high.

Chimps @ Kibale Forest National Park

Chimps are far more widespread than gorillas, but you still have to go to specific locations to track them. These are in Kibale Forest, a new National Park which is regrowing having been partly farmed, but you can also see them in Kyambura Gorge near Queen Elizabeth National Park and other locations in Uganda and Africa.