The West Nile Tourism Day celebrations will be held on September 27 in Arua City. This year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” focuses on tourism’s role in boosting the economy, preserving heritage, and protecting the environment.
The West Nile Tourism Cluster covers 13 districts and Arua City. Preparations are underway. Communities are restoring sites, training guides, and holding awareness events. As a result, visitors can expect many attractions to be ready for the celebrations.
In Pakwach district, visitors can explore Wanglei, where the brothers Nyipiir and Labongo separated. Additionally, the area features Omach Pilgrimage Site, Owiny Primary School Total Eclipse Site, Emin Pasha Fort, Pacer Blacksmith, the Art and Craft Community, Panyimur Fish Landing Site, and Pakwach Bridge.
Nebbi district will present the Catholic Church Cathedral and Bethel—the smallest church in Uganda. Moreover, guests can visit Got-Nebbi Hills, Loj-jodong ground where Nyipiir was buried, Goli Border Customs, and Jukia Hills. Furthermore, Zombo district will showcase the Alur Kingdom Palace at Atiak, Nyagak Power Plants, and tea and coffee plantations. These also include facilities for processing the harvest.
Madi Okollo district will highlight Ajai Wildlife Reserve, River Nile Fish Landing Sites, the Cotton Ginnery at Rhino Camp, Madi Cultural Grounds, and the Ajai FC facility. In addition, Tourism Officer Zahara Night said restoration work continues. She also noted that Community Conservation Rangers are training to guide visitors during the events.
In Arua district, attractions include Kuru Waterfalls Resort, Isara Memorial Library, the Colonial Leprosy and CoU Missionaries Burial Site in Kuluva, and a mini hydroelectric dam. Similarly, Arua City will promote Arua Hill, the Golf Grounds, Okpova Ancestral Meeting Place, the Saka Oak Tree of Natural Justice, Ediofe Catholic Cathedral, Mvara Anglican Cathedral, Arua Airport, and the Central Market. Other attractions are Abi Agro Tourism Farm, the Presidential Demonstration Farm in GiliGili, Ombaci Massacre Mass Grave, Oguruguru Beach, Abairo Waterfalls, Muni University, and teacher training colleges. In addition, visitors can enjoy nightlife, Onduparaka sports, boxing, and golf.
In Obongi district, preparations include cultural performances, art and craft exhibitions, and awareness events. Consequently, Tourism Officer Elizabeth Amen Daniels said these activities will showcase the district’s traditions and identity.
Senior Tourism Officer for Arua City, Fred Wathum, said all sites are ready. Therefore, organisers expect more than 4,000 visitors. Hotels and guesthouses in Arua, Nebbi, Maracha, and Koboko are already taking bookings.