Mbarara

Uganda's second-largest city, Mbarara sits in the country's Western Region and serves as the main commercial hub for the surrounding south-western districts. Elevated to city status in 2020, it takes its name from a colonial mispronunciation of Emburara, a tall grass that once covered the area. The city sits within reach of both mountains and water, making it a practical base for exploring this part of Uganda.

• Population221,300
• Nearest water9.4 km
• Nearest mountain7.6 km