It is the capital of Rukwa Region and the municipal seat of Sumbawanga Urban District with postcode number 55100 .

[2] Sumbawanga lies in the territory of the Wafipa Fipa tribe and so many people speak Kifipa, as well as Kiswahili, the most widely used language of Tanzania.

Though fewer in numbers, there are still some healers who practice both in town and in the surrounding smaller villages on the plateau.

Significant improvement has been made on the road to Mbeya as it is sealed to enable reliable all-weather access year round.

This road, and its continuation north to Mpanda and Tabora or Kigoma, is now passable throughout the year.