Lira Population 2026
Lira has a population of 119,323, making it the #16 biggest city in 🇺🇬 Uganda, located in Northern Region. Roughly 0.2% of Uganda's population lives here. It is about 14× smaller than Kampala, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
119,323
Rank in Uganda
#16
Coordinates
2.25°N, 32.90°E
~1,104 m elevation · Africa/Kampala
Distance to capital (Kampala)
218 km
135 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Northern Region
Cities near Lira
FAQ
What is the population of Lira?
Lira has a population of 119,323 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #16 biggest city in Uganda.
What region is Lira in?
Lira is located in Northern Region, Uganda.
Is Lira the capital of Uganda?
No, the capital of Uganda is Kampala, about 218 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.