It is found in northwestern Burundi, western Rwanda, southwestern Uganda, and adjacent eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

[2][3] The specific name versicolor, derived from the Latin versare ("to change") and color, and refers to its variable dorsal colouration.

A median line may be present and extends from the tip of the lower jaw through the chest area, sometimes beyond.

[3] Phrynobatrachus versicolor is a leaf-litter species of mountain forests at elevations of 1,500–2,300 m (4,900–7,500 ft) above sea level, perhaps wider.

It is threatened by habitat loss caused by agriculture, wood extraction, and expanding human settlements.