Kaoma, Zambia
Kaoma is a town in Zambia. It is the headquarters of Kaoma District in the Western Province and is located on the M9 Road. Location. Kaoma is located approximately , by road, west of Lusaka, the capital of Zambia and its largest city. At Kaoma, the Lusaka-Mongu Road (M9), meets the Kaoma-Kasempa Road (D301). This location lies west of Kafue National Park. The coordinates of the town are: 14 48 00S, 24 48 00E (Latitude: -14.8000; Longitude: 24.8000). History. Kaoma has previously been known by other names including: "Nkoya", "Mankoya", "Mankoye", "Nankoya", "Nunkoya". The official name of  the town was changed to Kaoma in 1964. The name Nkoya came from the first Zambian ethnic group to settle in the area around the 6th century. The Nkoya people can be found in Kaoma and the surrounding areas such as Mumbwa, Mulobezi, Kazungula, Mungulula (Mongu), Kalabo, Lukulu amongst other districts. The Nkoya people celebrate an annual traditional ceremony called the Kazanga Ceremony, which is held between April and August in Kaoma District, under Chief Mwene Mutondo and Chief Kahare of the Nkoya people. Population. In 2006, the population of Kaoma was estimated at 14,200. Kaoma is now divided into  three districts namely Kaoma, Nkeyema and Luampa. Landmarks. The landmarks within the town of Kaoma or close to its borders include the following: New district hospital. A new district hospital is under construction, to replace the old buildings of the old hospital, which was constructed in the 1950s. Funding for the new hospital is through donations from overseas charitable organizations including: