Culture and Religion

The community of Mubende is composed of people of different social and ethnic origins with majority being Baganda; 36.1% followed by Banyoro 14%, Banyankole 11.4%, Bakiga 10.7%, Bafumbira 9.9%, Banyarwanda 6.8%, Bakhonzo 3.1%, Batoro 2.5%, Basoga 0.7% and others 4.6%.

The District is in Buganda Kingdom and hosts the historical home of the great Bunyoro Kitara Empire with the seat of King Ndahula the Chwezi and site for queen and priestess Nakayima at the popular tree on Mubende Hill. The main custodian of the Cultural heritage is the Buganda Kingdom headed by his majesty the Kabaka of Buganda.

The different ethnic groups enjoy a wealth of cultural values and traditions in forms of Clan systems, Language, dressing, folklore, foods, music, dance, drama and crafts. There has been changing cultural values due to the influence of western cultures and education.  The Youth and the elite are instrumental in this change through adopting foreign dances; dressings and language. There are common traditional practices among different peoples which have been more enhanced by intermarriages among various groups.  Bride wealth, use of traditional Medicine, Craft-work, dances and adoption of Kiganda names and language has been diffused among other tribes.  

Mubende is not exclusive on the influence of various religion denominations, thus there exists followers of Christianity, Islam and some have jealously preserved their African traditional religion. The majority are Christians 87.1% (Catholics 45.5%, COU 31%, and other Christians 9.8%) followed by Islam 9.6% and others 3.4%. Some people from within and without Mubende pay homage to the Nakayima Tree

Population size and growth:

The total Population of Mubende District as contained in the 2014 Population and Housing Census was 688,819 with 346,525 males and 342,294 females. When compared to the 2002 population census’ results, the population in the district grew by 4.06% over a period of 12 years. In addition, the 2014 Census indicates that the total fertility rate was 7.5% which was higher than the national figure of 6.9 percent and the total average Household size is 4.5.  Currently the Population density is at 148 people per sq. km compared to 91 persons per sq. km in 2002. This increase is attributed to immigrations by settlers from densely populated districts and the high fertility rates in the district. The population of Mubende is currently projected to be 717,361 persons.

Table 3 District Population Distribution

Source: National Population and Housing Census, 2014