Luuka, where the district headquarters are located, is approximately 33 kilometres (21 mi), by road, northwest of Iganga, the nearest large town.

Luuka District was created by an Act of Parliament and became functional on 1 July 2010.

According to legend, Luuka was founded around 1737 A.D. and became a part of the British protectorate in Busoga in 1896 A.D. Its traditional ruler is known as the Tabingwa.

The district is made up of the following sub-counties: (a) Bukanga (b) Bukooma (c) Bulongo (d) Ikumbya (e) Irongo (f) Nawampiti and (g) Waibuga.

The national census in 2002 estimated the district population to be approximately 185,500.