Yumbe District is a district in Northern Region, Uganda. Like most other Ugandan districts, it is named after its 'chief town', Yumbe, where the district headquarters are located.

Location

Yumbe District is one of Uganda's most northern districts. The district is bordered by South Sudan to the north, Moyo District to the east, Adjumani District to the southeast, Arua District to the south, Maracha District to the southwest and Koboko District to the west. The district headquarters at Yumbe are located approximately 75 km, by road, north of Arua, the largest town in the sub-region. The coordinates of the district are:03 28N, 31 15E.

Overview

Yumbe District was established in 2006 when Aringa County was split off Arua District and renamed Yumbe District.The people in the district are still suffering from the effects of the civil war, which lasted about twenty years (1980–2000). The peace agreement between UNRF2 and the Government of Uganda was signed in the year 2000 in Yumbe. The majority (89%) ethnicity in the district are the Aringa people. Other ethnicities include the Kakwa, Madi and the Alur. The Acholi are scattered along River Nile and mainly engage in fishing and hunting, along the river. They account for about 2% of the district's population. The languages spoken in the district include: the Aringa language (majority), Kakwa language, Madi language and the Alur language. The second most-spoken language however is Kiswahili. In the urban areas, one might encounter individuals who can understand Arabic or English.

Population

Yumbe is the only district in the country with a mainly Muslim majority population (76%), which is a big exception for Uganda, where 85% of the population is Christians. The fertility rate in the district is high (7.5). In 1991, the national population census estimated the district population at about 99,800. The 2002 national census estimated the population of the district at about 251,800 inhabitants. The annual population growth rate in Yumbe District was calculated at 8.2%. It was estimated that the population of Yumbe District in 2012 was approximately 545,500.

Means of transport used in Yumbe District

Road transport.

River in Yumbe District

River Kochi

A river that supplies water for irrigation and household use in Yumbe District. The Kochi River originates in Koboko District, flows through Yumbe District, and enters the Albert Nile in Moyo District. The Kochi River catchment area is one of 12 sub-catchments that make up the Albert Nile Catchment. The catchment area has been degraded by charcoal burning, brick making, and vegetation clearing for agriculture and house construction. The Ministry of Water and Environment is implementing a project to restore 264 kilometers of the Kochi River with funding from the World Bank.

Schools in Yumbe District

Secondary schools

Primary schools in Yumbe District

Nursery schools in Yumbe District

Economic activities

Subsistence agriculture is the main economic activity in the district, as is the case with most Ugandan districts. Crops grown include the following: • Millet • Sweet potatoes • Beans • Cassava • Tobacco • Tomatoes • Papaya • Avocado • Mangos • Oranges • Lemons • Onions • Cabbage

Radio station in Yumbe District

91.7 Ribat FM Yumbe