Budaka District is an administrative unit in the Eastern Region of Uganda, with Budaka Town serving as the district headquarters. Known for its growing population and developing industries, the district plays a key role in the region’s economy.
Location
Budaka District is strategically located and shares borders with:
- Pallisa District to the north
- Mbale District to the east
- Butaleja District to the south
- Kibuku District to the west
The district headquarters in Budaka Town lie about 36 km west of Mbale, the largest city in the sub-region.
Coordinates: 01°00′N, 33°54′E
Total Area: 410.4 km² (158.5 sq mi)
Elevation: 1,080 m (3,540 ft)
Overview
Budaka District consists of Budaka County and Iki-Iki County. It is among Uganda’s smaller districts by land area but has one of the higher population densities, reflecting both rapid growth and pressure on land resources.
Population
The population of Budaka District has grown steadily:
- 1991 Census: ~100,300
- 2002 Census: ~136,500
- 2012 Estimate: ~178,900
The district’s population density is approximately 436 people per km², one of the highest in Eastern Uganda, highlighting its urbanizing nature.
Economic Activities
The economy of Budaka District is primarily agriculture-based, with most residents engaged in subsistence farming. Key crops include maize, beans, cassava, millet, and groundnuts.
A notable industrial development is the Uganda Clays Limited factory established in 2009 at Kamonkoli. This tile and brick manufacturing plant employs over 200 people, boosting both local employment and the construction industry across Uganda.
