Bunyaruguru is a historically significant region in western Uganda that served as an independent kingdom before becoming part of the British colonial administration and later modern Uganda.[1] The area became part of the British Ankole protectorate in 1901, marking the end of its independence as a traditional kingdom.[2]
Today, Bunyaruguru exists as one of two counties within Rubirizi District, alongside Katerera County. Rubirizi District was carved out of Bushenyi District in July 2010, with the district headquarters located in Rubirizi town. The district is composed of nine sub-counties and two town councils, with Bunyaruguru County encompassing several of these administrative units.[3]
Geography and Natural Features
Bunyaruguru is renowned for its exceptional concentration of crater lakes, possessing more of these geological formations than any other region in Uganda.[2] The area is part of the Bunyaruguru (also known as Kichwambe) volcanic field, which straddles the equator along the eastern side of the Western Rift Valley, south of Lake George.[4]
The volcanic field contains more than 130 maars (volcanic craters), of which 27 contain lakes, representing a significant portion of Uganda's crater lake system.[4] These crater lakes were formed through violent volcanic eruptions that caused the tops of volcanoes to be blown off, leaving behind distinctive circular depressions that subsequently filled with water.[2] The geological formations include friable calcareous volcanic tuffs that are interbedded with various sedimentary layers, creating a complex and scientifically significant landscape.[4]
The county includes several sub-counties and villages, with settlements such as Rutoto serving as important administrative centers within the broader county structure.[6] Villages like Kirugu, situated at an elevation of 981 meters, represent the rural settlement patterns that characterize much of the county.[7]
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