The 2002 national census estimated the population at 180,050, with an annual growth rate of 2 percent.

Because of the relatively dry climate, cattle ranching for beef and dairy farming are the most important economic activities in the district.

The produce of the district is marketed in Uganda's larger cities and in area towns including Kampala, Masaka, and Rakai.

The crops grown for food and sale include: In the region around Bwera, there is a site known as Bigo bya Mugenyi, which appears to be the location of human settlement dating back to the late Iron Age (1200 - 1000BC).

Excavations at the site have yielded iron blades (most probably used for harvesting grain), pottery with simple decorations, cattle dung, and post-holes for fencing.