Since it is a town, Mbale population is slightly higher than the surrounding major towns. Mbale town is approximately 245kilometers (152mi), by road, northeast of Kampala city, the capital of Uganda. The town is accessible on an all weather tarmac Kampala – Jinja – Mbale highway. The coordinates of the city are 1°04’50.0″N, 34°10’30.0″E (that is at latitude: 1.080556 and longitude: 34.175000). The city also lies on the rail way from Tororo to Pakwach, at the foothills of Mount Elgon, one of the highest peaks in East Africa. Mount Elgon is approximately 52kilometers (32mi) east of Mbale town.
Population of Mbale Town
According to the 2002 national census, the population of Mbale was about 71,130. In 2010, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) estimated the population at 81,900. In 2011, UBOS estimated the mid-year population at 91,800 and in 2014, the national population census put the population at 96,189.
Mbale Town and It’s Relations
Mbale was formally linked with the town of Pontypridd, Wales through local and regional twinning ceremonies in 2005. The link was intended to associate professionals and organizations in Pontypridd with their counterparts in Africa, under the auspices of the charity known as the Partnerships Overseas Networking Trust.
A visit to this place will leave you with immense respect for this hilly land upon whose soils Uganda’s favorite coffee is grown. Arabica is its name, an enchanting beverage with a crisp, sharp and pleasant aroma. Like Elgon, a Mountain to which it belongs, its sheer size, clear waters, and green vegetation make it way better than any theme park. That is why it is called a paradise.
But as is typical of paradise, it’s towering summit is not easy to reach. Only those who are patient enough to endure a two hours’ hike get to experience the champagne panoramic views it offers. From the bottom, Mbale looks very well planned and organized. However, from the top, the town looks like a beautiful mess. It looks busy and crammed with buildings. Surrounding it are virgin swamps and farmlands.
The hike starts with a walk through community land where you will be warmly welcomed by the people to whom this mountain is home. Along the trail, you will meet children who will brighten your day by high-fiving you. You will also meet locals who start hiking the Mountain from the day life is given to them to the day it is taken from them.
Besides Mbale town, Uganda is a rich multi-cultural country, so don’t miss out on experiences with the nearby Budadiri of Bamasaba people, Kapchorwa of the Sebei people. Further northeast, the famous Karamojong group or Ike community. Get mesmerized by the Batwa trail in both Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park. While in Bwindi, you can also also opt for the breathtaking gorilla trekking experience.