The town is administered by Kitgum Municipality Council, an urban local government.

Kitgum is bordered by Lamwo District to the north, Mucwini to the north-east, Kitgum Matidi to the east, Acholibur to the south, and Pajimu to the west.

The town is located 104 kilometres (65 mi) north-east of Gulu, the largest city in the Acholi sub-region.

[2] This is approximately 435 kilometres (270 mi) north of Uganda's capital Kampala.

[1] The following additional points of interest are located within or near the town of Kitgum: