Gulu Population 2026
Gulu has a population of 177,400, making it the #10 biggest city in 🇺🇬 Uganda, located in Northern Region. Roughly 0.3% of Uganda's population lives here. It is about 9.5× smaller than Kampala, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
177,400
Rank in Uganda
#10
Coordinates
2.77°N, 32.30°E
~1,104 m elevation · Africa/Kampala
Distance to capital (Kampala)
275 km
171 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Northern Region
Cities near Gulu
FAQ
What is the population of Gulu?
Gulu has a population of 177,400 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #10 biggest city in Uganda.
What region is Gulu in?
Gulu is located in Northern Region, Uganda.
Is Gulu the capital of Uganda?
No, the capital of Uganda is Kampala, about 275 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.