Ankole (Mbarara) District was founded in 1901. The abolition of Ankole federal and kingdom government in 1967, gave rise to Mbarara District Local Government (MDLG). Mbarara, the main town of Ankole District became a township in 1957. Following the Coup of 1972, the name Ankole District was changed to Mbarara District, and the township was transformed into a municipality in 1974.

In 1973, Bushenyi District was created out of Mbarara. In 1995 Ntungamo District was created and in 2002, the sub-county of Itojo, formerly part of Mbarara, was added to Ntungamo District. In 2005, the boundary was significantly reduced and the district was further split into three other district Local Governments namely, Isingiro (comprised of Bukanga and Isingiro counties), Kiruhura (comprised of Nyabushozi and Kazo counties) and Ibanda (comprised of Ibanda County).

The sub-division left the Mbarara with two counties of Kashari North and South after the creation of Rwampara District and Mbarara City respectively.  Rwampara District was created on 1st July 2019 and Mbarara City on 1st July 2020.

The district was named after its municipal center, Mbarara City situated at white house at the former Municipal offices, while the district headquarters is located at Kamukuzi hill next to the Former Residence of the Ankole King and administration building. The Former Ankole Kings' Residence currently serves as Presidentail State Lodge. It is said that the word ‘Mbarara’ is derived from a common type of grass in Mbarara known as ‘emburara’

Our logo
The shield signifies the traditional authority of the people of Mbarara to defend their area. There are three images on the shield: the handshake which symbolizes friendship with other communities; the spear which represents the traditional weapon of defense; and the cow which represents the nomadic culture of the people of the area.
The shield is flanked on the right and left by banana and coffee, the two main cash crops of Mbarara district.

In addition to the cash crops, the livelihood of the people is dependent on Cattle (the cow) which is the biggest contributor to the local economy.
Our logo may be used by other organizations, including other government departments, Local Government councils, and community based groups. Its use is permitted, only to signify a joint partnership, publication or project and/or acknowledgement of sponsorship or funding support.