Otuke District
Otuke is the north-eastern gateway of Lango. The district was created on 1 July 2009 out of Lira District. Otuke town lies about 66 km east of Lira, at an elevation of…
- 161,069
- People (2024 census)
- 1,550 km²
- Area
- 104
- People per km²
- Otuke
- Headquarters
- 2009
- Created
Overview
Otuke is the north-eastern gateway of Lango. The district was created on 1 July 2009 out of Lira District. Otuke town lies about 66 km east of Lira, at an elevation of roughly 1,200 metres. The district borders Agago, Abim, Napak, Amuria, Alebtong, Lira and Pader, so Lango meets Acholi, Karamoja and Teso here.
Best known for
- 1The north-eastern corner of Lango, at about 1,200 metres elevation
- 2Maize, simsim (sesame), beans and cassava
- 3A meeting point of Lango and Karamoja cultures
People & demography
Otuke counted 161,069 people in the 2024 census, up from 104,254 in 2014 when it was the smallest district in the sub-region. It is mostly rural, with a population density far lower than the sub-region average.
Economy & livelihoods
Livelihoods are built on maize, simsim (sesame), beans and cassava, together with livestock (cattle, goats, sheep, pigs and poultry), fishing and trade.
Places to visit
The upland scenery, open grazing land and market towns of Otuke give a taste of the border country between Lango and Karamoja.
History
Researchers have noted that several Lango clan names, including Atek, Okarowok and Otengor, also appear among the Ateker peoples of Karamoja and Teso, a reminder of the old links that run through this part of Lango.
Population figures are from the 2024 National Population and Housing Census (Uganda Bureau of Statistics). Descriptions are compiled from published sources and are being reviewed; corrections are welcome. Send a correction