Kasese is situated at the western end of the Uganda-Congo border, just north of
Lake George and south of the
Rwenzori Mountains. The city's coordinates are 0°11'12.0"N, 30°05'17.0"E (Latitude: 0.186667; Longitude: 30.088050). It is approximately 360 kilometres (224 mi) by road, west of
Kampala, Uganda's capital. The city's location makes it a strategic hub for trade with the eastern
Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the border town of
Mpondwe located about 60 kilometres (37 mi) to the south-west.
Climate Environmental challenges Due to its location at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains, Kasese is highly susceptible to severe flooding. The Nyamwamba River, which flows down from the mountains and through the city, frequently bursts its banks during heavy rainy seasons. This is caused by a combination of factors, including the steep terrain, deforestation, and the effects of
climate change on the mountain's glaciers. Major floods, such as those in 2013, 2020, and 2022, have caused widespread destruction, displacing thousands of residents, destroying infrastructure like bridges and buildings, and resulting in loss of life. ==Population==