Masaka District | |
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District | |
District location in Uganda |
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Coordinates: 00°22′S 31°42′E / 0.367°S 31.700°ECoordinates: 00°22′S 31°42′E / 0.367°S 31.700°E | |
Country | Uganda |
Region | Central Region |
Capital | Masaka |
Area | |
• Land | 1,295.6 km2 (500.2 sq mi) |
Elevation | 1,115 m (3,658 ft) |
Population (2012 Estimate) | |
• Total | 251,600 |
• Density | 194.2/km2 (503/sq mi) |
Time zone | EAT (UTC+3) |
Website | www |
Masaka District is a district in the Central Region of Uganda. Its main town is Masaka, whose estimated population in 2011 was 74,100.
The district is bordered by Bukomansimbi District to the north-west, Kalungu District to the north, Kalangala District to the east and south, Rakai District to the south-west, and Lwengo District to the west. The town of Masaka, where the district headquarters are located, is approximately 140 kilometres (87 mi), by road, south-west of Kampala on the highway to Mbarara. The coordinates of the district are 00 30S, 31 45E. The average altitude of the district is 1,115 metres (3,658 ft) above sea level.
Masaka District was established in the 1900s, composed of the Buganda Kingdom's former counties of Buddu, Kooki, Kabula, Mawogola, and Ssese Islands. Kooki and Kabula were peeled off to form Rakai District. Later, the northern part of Rakai District was removed to form Lyantonde District. The Ssese Islands were removed to form Kalangala District. In 1997, Mawogola County was split from Buddu and was named Sembabule District. Buddu remained as Masaka District. In 2010, Buddu itself was split into four districts, namely Masaka District, Bukomansimbi District, Kalungu District, and Lwengo District.
Administratively, the district council is the highest political authority. The council has 43 members headed by a district chairperson. The technical team at the district is subdivided into the following directories: 1. Education & Sports 2. Health & Environment 3. Works & Technical Services 4. Production & Marketing 5. Finance & Planning 6. Management Support Services 7. Gender & Community Services.