Fort Portal in Kabarole District is located approximately 296 kilometres (184 mi) by road, west of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city, on an all-tarmac two-lane highway.[5] The geographical coordinates of Fort Portal City are 0°39'16.0"N, 30°16'28.0"E (Latitude: 0.654444; Longitude: 30.274444).[6] Fort Portal is situated at an average elevation of 1,523 metres (4,997 ft) above sea level.[7]
On 1 July 2020, Fort Portal was elevated from municipality to a "Tourism city" status.[8] In 2019, in preparation for the award of city status, Ford Portal annexed several surrounding neighborhoods and sub-counties, including (a) Karago (b) Ibaale Parish (c) Burungu Parish (d) Karambi sub-county (e) Bukuku sub-county and (f) parts of Busoro sub-county.[9][10]
According to the 2002 national census, the population of Fort Portal was about 41,000. In 2010, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) estimated the population at 46,300. In 2011, UBOS estimated the population at 47,100.[11] In August 2014, the national population census put the population at 54,275.[12] In 2020 UBOS estimated the mid-year population of the city as 60,800. The population agency calculated that the population of the city grew at an average rate of 2.12 percent annually between 2014 and 2020.[1]
The city houses three institutions of higher learning. The main campus of Mountains of the Moon University, previously a private university, but now a public university, is located in the city center.[16] Also located within the city is the main campus of Uganda Pentecostal University, a private university affiliated with the Pentecostal Movement.[17][18] A new university, the Fins Medical University, was established in the city in 2018.[19] St. Mary's Minor Seminary, a Catholic secondary school for prospective Catholic priests, is also located in Fort Portal.[20]
Margaret Blick Kigozi: Commonly known as Maggie Kigozi, is a Ugandan medical doctor, business consultant, educator, and sportswoman. She was born here in 1950.
Sylvia Rwabogo: Journalist and politician, who served as the District Woman Representative for Kabarole District, in the 10th Parliament (2016–2021).