Makambako Town Council (also called Makambako Urban District), located in Njombe Region, Tanzania:




? Location & Area


It is one of six districts in the Njombe Region, with Makambako town as its administrative seat.


The council spans approximately 884 km² (341 mi²).


? Population


According to the 2022 census, the district’s population is 146,481, comprising about 116,232 urban and 30,249 rural residents.


Previous data from 2012 recorded a population of 93,827.


? Geography & Climate


Situated on a hilly plateau, elevation ranges between 1,000–2,000 m, intersected by seasonal valleys .


The climate is Cwb (warm temperate) with average annual rainfall ~825 mm, most between December–March, and dry months from June–September. Temperatures range approximately 16.1 °C in July to 21.1 °C in November.


? Administrative Structure


Comprises 1 division, 12 wards, 54 streets (mitaa) in urban areas, 14 villages, and 67 hamlets (vitongoji).


Wards include Ubena, Mjimwema, Mlowa, Lyamkena, Mwembetogwa, Mahongole, Kitandililo, Utengule, and others.


Politically represented by 12 elected councillors, 5 special-seat councillors, and 1 Member of Parliament.


? Land Use & Economy


Total land area: ~884 km², with approx. 59.8% used for agriculture, 39.5% for settlements/other uses, and 0.7% forest cover.


Major economic activities include crop farming (e.g., maize, tomatoes) and livestock.


? Services & Infrastructure


Education: Over 40 primary schools and 16 secondary schools.


Health: Several health centers, dispensaries, and at least two hospitals .


Roads: Main A104 and B4 trunk roads intersect in Makambako, plus railway services.


Water: Urban piped supply covers a portion of demand; rural supply via hand pumps, gravity, and electric pumps in different wards.


? Demographics & Society


Ethnic groups: Predominantly Bena, with significant Hehe and Kinga communities.


Name origin: “Makambako” derives from the Bena word meaning “place where bulls fight,” referencing local traditions.


☎️ Contact Details


Postal: P.O. Box 405, Makambako.


Telephone: (026) 2730044.


Mobile: 0785 635 383.


Fax: (026) 2730445.


Email: td@makambakotc.go.tz





? Summary
Makambako Town Council is a growing urban district covering 884 km², home to roughly 146,000 people. The council is well-structured with 12 wards and offers key services in education, health, transport, and water supply. Its economy thrives on agriculture, and it plays a strategic transport role via major roads and rail links.