Bulambuli District was created by Act of the Ugandan Parliament, in 2009, and became operational on 1 July 2010. Prior to that, the district was part of Sironko District.

The district is located in the eastern part of Uganda  and is bordered by Nakapiripirit District to the north, Kapchorwa District to the east, Sironko District to the south and Bukedea District to the west. The district's headquarters are located in its chief town Bulambuli.