Kamonkoli: From mud and wattle trading centre to commercial hub

Those who knew Kamonkoli before still marvel at the growth of this thriving eastern town. Found in Budaka District, Kamonkoli town lies at the end of the south eastern leg of Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kamonkoli-Kumi road. It comprises 16 villages and four parishes with an estimated population of 25,000 people.
Wilson Gadala, 81, a retired head teacher and longtime resident of Kamonkoli, explains thatthe town had two traditional religions – Islam and Anglican faith. The Muslims were mostly businessmen while the Anglicans focused on spreading Christianity.

“Kamonkoli Town used to have mud and wattle shops. Residents had little interest in developing the town. Developing the area was left to the colonialists. The locals had money but did not want to invest because of the insecurity,” Gadala says.

Development in Kamonkoli started in 1955 when educated migrants such as Isaac Kichodo, Joshua Kirya, and Mwoya, started constructing commercial houses.
“The basis of education was part of the development that started to paint the face of this area, and this attracted more people to procure land and construct houses. So it has turned into a United States of Bugwere because it has never been segregative in anyway when it comes to development,” he says.

He says the potential for urban growth is well recognised through the emergence of numerous growth of industries such as Uganda Clays, cement factory and as well the multi-billion Marpple Cottages hotel. Gadala also notes that the hospitality of the people of Kamonkoli played a big role for these developments that are pushing the town to Peri Town.
In early 2000, Kamonkoli got a second factory of Uganda Clays Limited, Uganda’s largest manufacturer of clay building products and in 2012, Kamonkoli cement factory was commissioned. This brought more people migrating from other areas who settled in Kamonkoli.

Cost of land
The high population of new migrants has pushed the prices of land to go high. On average, a 50ft by 100ft plot of land costs between Shs8m and Shs10m.
Before buying land, the buyer should liaise with the local leaders who understand the authenticity [owners] of land and the geography to avoid being defrauded by conmen.
The Kamonkoli LC3 chairman, Benard Mugoda, explains that the cost of housing in the area is quite reasonable compared to Mbale. For instance, a house, with all basic requirements such as water, electricity and access to roads, goes between Shs100, 000 to Shs150, 000 whereas in Mbale rent is above Shs250, 000 per month.

Hotel accommodation
Marpple cottages hotel is the pride of Kamonkoli and is a favourite for foreign visitors. A single room, goes to Shs100, 000. There are several guest houses across the town that charge Shs25,000 per night.

Security
According to Kamonkoli District police commander Wilson Salaam there is prevailing peace and security despite few isolated cases.
Institutions
Kamonkoli has a number of institutions ranging from primary to university institutions. There are three primary schools; Kamonkoli Mixed Primary School, Jami and Nyanza Primary School. Secondary; Kamonkoli College and many privately owned primary and secondary schools. Livingstone University, a private institution, is under construction.

Cost of food
Ever since the sub-county was elevated to a town council food prices went up but fluctuate according to the season. A bunch of matooke costs between Shs25,000 and Shs30,000, a Kilo of rice is at Shs2, 000 and meat is at Shs10, 000.

Transport cost
Means of transport is relatively affordable. For instance from Mbale to Kamonkoli one has to part with Shs1,000.

State of roads
The entire road network in the area still remains a challenge despite the district re-opening some of them. But nevertheless the roads are motorable and easily connect to other areas. Most of the roads are murrum based.

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