Mbarara Population 2026
Mbarara has a population of 221,300, making it the #6 biggest city in 🇺🇬 Uganda, located in Western Region. Roughly 0.4% of Uganda's population lives here. It is about 7.6× smaller than Kampala, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
221,300
Rank in Uganda
#6
Coordinates
0.60°S, 30.65°E
~1,422 m elevation · Africa/Kampala
Distance to capital (Kampala)
238 km
148 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Western Region
| City | Population | Rank in Uganda |
|---|---|---|
| Hoima | 122,700 | #14 |
| Ibanda | 117,700 | #17 |
| Kasese | 115,400 | #19 |
| Masindi | 110,500 | #21 |
| Rutoma | 86,100 | #26 |
| Bwizibwera | 79,157 | #27 |
| Nakivale Refugee Camp | 68,400 | #30 |
| Fort Portal | 60,800 | #37 |
Cities near Mbarara
- Bwizibwera79,157 people · ~3 km away
- Kinoni19,400 people · ~20 km away
- Rutoma86,100 people · ~30 km away
- Isingiro34,300 people · ~36 km away
- Iryango20,000 people · ~41 km away
- Nakivale Refugee Camp68,400 people · ~42 km away
FAQ
What is the population of Mbarara?
Mbarara has a population of 221,300 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #6 biggest city in Uganda.
What region is Mbarara in?
Mbarara is located in Western Region, Uganda.
Is Mbarara the capital of Uganda?
No, the capital of Uganda is Kampala, about 238 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.