General Overview & Location

Region: Mbeya Region, southwestern Tanzania

District Seat / Headquarters: Tukuyu Township, about 72 km from Mbeya city along the Uyole–Ibanda highway via Kyela.

Boundaries:
 • South: Kyela District
 • West: Ileje District (in Songwe Region)
 • North: Mbeya Rural District
 • East: Borders Busokelo District (carved out in 2012) and parts of Iringa Region

Geographic Coordinates: Lies between latitudes 8°30′S and 9°30′S, and longitudes 33° and 34°E.

Land Area: About 1,242 km² of dry land.

Administrative Changes: Busokelo District was split from Rungwe in 2012.

Demographics & Population

Population (2022 Census): 273,536 people

Population Density: Around 190 people per km²

Population Growth: From about 242,809 in 1988 to 273,536 in 2022

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Nyakyusa people

Climate, Topography & Ecology

Altitude & Terrain: Includes highlands such as Mount Rungwe, with steep and mountainous areas.

Rainfall & Climate:
 • Lowlands: about 900 mm annually
 • Highlands: up to 2,700 mm annually
 • Temperatures vary by altitude, with cooler highland areas

Ecology & Wildlife: Hosts montane forests, diverse flora and fauna, and rare species such as the kipunji monkey.

Economy & Livelihoods

Agriculture: Main economic activity.
 • Crops include tea, coffee, bananas, citrus, potatoes, rice, beans, maize, and vegetables.
 • Highlands are especially suited for tea and coffee.

Other Activities: Some mining and quarrying in the region.

Tourism: Ecotourism potential from forests, mountains, and wildlife.

Administration & Governance

Structure: Governed by Rungwe District Council (Halmashauri ya Wilaya ya Rungwe).

Divisions: Organized into wards, villages, and sub-villages.

Council Offices: Located in Tukuyu, Bulyaga Ward, Bomani Street.

Responsibilities: Provide health services, education, water supply, local roads, and infrastructure.

History: Established during the colonial era and later integrated into Tanzania’s Local Government system.

Challenges & Opportunities

Challenges

Infrastructure maintenance in steep, high-rainfall zones

Balancing land use with conservation

Limited access to services in remote areas

Heavy reliance on agriculture, making the economy vulnerable

Opportunities

Expanding agro-processing industries (tea, coffee, fruits)

Developing ecotourism and conservation projects

Enhancing soil and forest management

Promoting sustainable rural infrastructure