Luena, Angola


Luena, formerly known as Luso, is a city and municipality in eastern Angola, administrative capital of Moxico Province. The municipality had a population of 356,880 in 2024.

History

The Angolan town is best known as the resting place of former UNITA rebel leader Jonas Savimbi, who was shot and killed by Angolan government troops on February 22, 2002. Later on January 3, 2008, Savimbi's tomb at Luena Main Cemetery was vandalised and four members of the youth wing of the MPLA were charged and arrested.

Climate

Luena has a monsoonal humid subtropical climate bordering on a tropical savanna climate.


Religion

The city is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lwena. As of 2025, Bishop Martin Lasarte Topolanski, S.D.B. is the local ordinary here.

Transportation

Luena is serviced by Luena Airport on the north side of the town.
Luena Train Station is a stop on the Benguela railway central line connecting Luau with Lobito. The station was rebuilt and features a clock tower.

Sports