Katete is an urban ward and neighbourhood located in Mbarara City, within the Western Region of Uganda. It forms part of Nyamitanga Division in Mbarara District and lies on the corridor of the River Rwizi.
Geography
- Coordinates: 0°37′00″S 30°41′00″E (approximately 0.617° S, 30.683° E)【source】.
- The ward is situated at an elevation of about 1,411 metres above sea level and is traversed by the River Rwizi, a key water source for the surrounding area.
Administrative status
- Katete is officially designated as a ward (also referred to as a neighbourhood) within the municipal structure of Mbarara City.
- It falls under Nyamitanga Division, one of several administrative divisions that together comprise the urban governance framework of Mbarara Municipality【source】.
Infrastructure and transport
- The Katete Bridge spans the River Rwizi, providing an important link between Katete ward and other parts of Mbarata City, including connections toward Isingiro District. The bridge is frequently cited in local reports as a vital route for traders, travelers, and residents of Nyamitanga Division【source】.
- Constructed in 1999, the bridge has undergone multiple repairs due to damage; recent rehabilitation works were undertaken by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Engineering Brigade in December 2024, with an estimated cost of UGX 360 million【source】.
Demographics and climate
- As part of the built‑up area of Mbarara City, Katete shares the city’s demographic characteristics, although specific population figures for the ward are not separately published.
- The region experiences two rainy seasons (approximately February–May and September–December) with average annual rainfall near 1,200 mm and typical temperatures ranging from 17 °C to 30 °C【source】.
Notable references
- Katete is listed in the GeoNames database as a populated place within Nyamitanga Division, Mbarara District.
- Local news outlets such as The Observer (Uganda) and Uganda Radio Network have reported on infrastructure issues affecting Katete Bridge, underscoring its significance to local transport networks.