Mbale facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mbale
Mbale Location in Uganda
Country	Uganda
Regions	Eastern Uganda
Subregion	Bugisu sub-region
Elevation	1,156 m (3,793 ft)
Population  (2014 Census)
• Total	96,189

Mbale is a busy city in the eastern part of Uganda. It's a very important place for the Mbale District and the areas around it. The city is a main center for government, business, and daily life.

Mbale city center.

Where is Mbale Located?

Mbale is about 225 kilometers (140 miles) northeast of Kampala. Kampala is the capital city of Uganda. You can reach Mbale easily by driving on a good paved highway.

The city is located at an average height of 1,156 meters (3,793 feet) above sea level. Its exact location is 1°04'50.0"N, 34°10'30.0"E. Mbale is also on a railway line that connects Tororo to Pakwach. Mount Elgon, a very tall mountain in East Africa, is about 48 kilometers (30 miles) northeast of Mbale.

How Many People Live in Mbale?

The number of people living in Mbale has grown over the years.

• In 2002, about 71,130 people lived there.
• By 2010, this number grew to an estimated 81,900.
• In 2011, it was estimated to be 91,800.
• The 2014 population count showed 96,189 people living in Mbale.

Mbale's Sister City

Mbale has a special connection with the town of Pontypridd in Wales. They became "sister cities" in 2005. This link helps people and groups in Pontypridd work with similar groups in Africa. It's all part of a charity called the Partnerships Overseas Networking Trust.

What to See and Do in Mbale

There are many interesting places and important buildings in Mbale.

City Administration and Services

• The main offices for the Mbale District Administration are here.
• The offices for the Mbale City Council are also located in the city.
• You can find the busy Mbale central market, where people buy and sell goods.
• The Mbale Municipal Stadium is a place for sports and events.
• The 3rd Division of the Uganda People's Defense Force has its headquarters in Mbale. This is where military operations for the region are managed.

Learning and Education

Mbale is home to several important schools and universities.

• Uganda Christian University College has a campus here.
• Busitema University Faculty of Health Sciences is a medical school.
• The main campus of the Islamic University in Uganda is in Mbale.
• Uganda Martyrs University also has a campus in the city.
• LivingStone International University is another private university.
• The Mbale School of Clinical Officers trains healthcare workers.

Banks and Financial Services

Mbale has many banks and financial institutions. This shows it is an important business center. Some of the banks include:

• Absa Bank Uganda Limited
• Bank of Africa Uganda Limited
• Centenary Bank
• DFCU Bank
• Equity Bank Uganda Limited
• Housing Finance Bank
• Stanbic Bank Uganda Limited
• The National Social Security Fund also has an office here.

Becoming a City

In 2019, the government of Uganda decided that Mbale would become a city. This change officially happened on July 1, 2020. This means Mbale is now recognized as a major urban area.

Famous People from Mbale

Many notable people have connections to Mbale.

• John Wasikye: An Anglican Bishop.
• James Wapakhabulo: A well-known politician.
• Lydia Wanyoto: A lawyer, politician, and diplomat.
• Nathan Nandala Mafabi: An accountant, lawyer, and politician who has served in the Parliament of Uganda.
• Walter de Sousa: A field hockey player for the Indian hockey team. He was born in Mbale.
• Dani Wadada Nabudere: A Ugandan academic, lawyer, and politician.