Busia Town, Uganda
BUSIA TOWN, UGANDA
LOCATION OF BUSIA TOWN, UGANDA
Busia Town is located in the Eastern Region of Uganda, near the border with Kenya. It serves as the main municipal, administrative, and commercial center of the Busia District. The town is situated approximately 196 kilometers (122 miles) east of Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The geographical coordinates of Busia Town are approximately 0.4669°N latitude and 34.0900°E longitude.
POPULATION OF BUSIA TOWN, UGANDA
As of 2024, the population of Busia Town, Uganda, is approximately 43,200 people as estimated by the UBOS.
SOME HISTORY OF BUSIA TOWN, UGANDA
Busia Town, located in the Eastern Region of Uganda, has a rich and diverse history that reflects its strategic importance as a border town and commercial hub.
Busia Town was initially established as a trading center during the colonial period. It served as a key point for trade between the British colonizers and local communities. The town’s location near the border with Kenya made it an important site for cross-border trade and interaction.
Administrative Changes: Prior to 1997, Busia was part of Tororo District. In 1997, it became the administrative center of the newly created Busia District. This change helped to boost its development and administrative significance.
Over the years, Busia has grown into a bustling urban area. It is one of the busiest border crossings between Uganda and Kenya, facilitating significant trade and movement of goods and people. The establishment of a one-stop border post in 2016 further enhanced its role as a major commercial hub.
The town has seen substantial population growth over the decades. From a small population of 1,146 in 1969, it grew to 8,663 in 1980, and by 2020, the population was estimated at around 64,900.
The completion of the one-stop border post in 2016, funded by international donors, has streamlined customs and immigration processes, making Busia a critical point for trade within the East African Community. This development has significantly boosted the local economy and facilitated smoother cross-border trade.
Busia Town is home to a diverse population, including various ethnic groups from both Uganda and Kenya. This diversity is reflected in the town’s vibrant cultural life and social interactions.
Despite its growth, Busia faces challenges such as infrastructure development and managing the high volume of cross-border traffic. However, its strategic location continues to offer opportunities for economic growth and development.
Busia Town’s history is a testament to its resilience and strategic importance in the region. Its evolution from a colonial trading center to a modern commercial hub highlights its significant role in the economic and social landscape of Uganda.
| Visa requirements | ENTRY INTO UGANDA (VISAS & PASSES)
Any person intending to enter into Uganda should do so only for lawful purposes and in accordance with national immigration laws, guidelines and formalities.
Foreign nationals intending to enter Uganda for purposes of employment should comply with requirements for expatriate employment in Uganda.
All visa prone nationalities must obtain Uganda visas to facilitate their entry into the country.
Uganda visas may be obtained at Uganda missions abroad or by applying online at the Uganda E-Immigration System at www.visas.immigration.go.ug
UGANDA VISAS & CORRESPONDING FEES:
WORKING AND LIVING IN UGANDAPERMITS –WORKING IN UGANDA All foreign nationals intending to work in Uganda must ensure that they are in possession of the relevant work permit. The classes of work permits are listed below. For the requirements for the different categories, please log onto the Immigration Uganda website: www.immigration.go.ug or www.visas.immigration.go.ug CLASS A (GOVERNMENT & DIPLOMATIC SERVICE) Applicants should be persons contracted for service in the Government of Uganda or diplomats accredited for service in Uganda. CLASS A2 (GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS) Applicants should be persons on Government contracts, including persons serving in Government tertiary institutions. CLASS B (INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURE) Applicants should be persons intending to invest in the business of agriculture or animal husbandry. CLASS C (MINING) Applicants should be persons intending to invest in the business of prospecting for minerals or mining in Uganda CLASS D (BUSINESS AND TRADE) Applicants should be persons intending to carry on the business or trade in Uganda CLASS E (MANUFACTURERS) Applicants should be persons intending to engage in manufacturing business In Uganda CLASS F (PROFESSIONALS) Applicants should be members of prescribed professionals Intending to practice RIO profession In Uganda CLASS G1 (VOLUNTEERS, NGO WORKERS, and MISSIONARIES) CLASS G2 (EMPLOYEES) Applicants should be persons intending to work as employees whether for gain or not in Uganda. Applicants under this category can only enter Uganda after grant and payment for their work permits. WORK PERMIT RENEWAL
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| Languages spoken | Luhya, Luo, Samia, Swahili, English | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency used | Ugandan Shilling (Ugx) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Area (km2) | 7 square kilometers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Country name | Republic of Uganda |
