West Nile Tourism (Sights and Sounds)

Desert Breeze Hotel (Arua)

Uganda is progressive, beautiful, sweet and fresh. However, everytime I looked at a Tourism Map of Uganda, West Nile would be blank unlike the other Corners. Animals like Elephants, Buffalos and the endangered White Rhinos used to be an Attraction here in the Past but I never saw them included. The majority of White Rhinos left on Earth are found in South Africa though the Government of Uganda tried to repopulate them in Bunyoro before they are brought back home in West Nile. The 26th President of the United States (POTUS) travelled to hunt in West Nile. There is also a Man who came all the way from Ukraine to look for the Urine of a Gecko in West Nile. I felt the Subregion should not be famous only for the deadly West Nile Virus nor West Nile Bank Front (WNBF) Bamuze Rebels! 

At the Heart of West Nile

Because of all that, I decided to compile my own Attractions of the West Nile Subregion. I haven't yet visited all the Corners of WN, therefore this is not the Fairest nor Ultimate Sightseeing Selection for the Wonders of West Nile but here are some of my own personal Marvels as seen in Northwestern East Africa, keeping it sweet! If I missed anything you know and admire including stunning Koboko Women (brownskinned, Black Beauty, supermodel size or curvy), you can add it to your own personalised funkadelic Tour List or Itinerary. Live the West Nile Dream! When on the Move, check out more at www.suburb2suburb.com! According to a Harvard University Study, Uganda is a very Ethnically Diverse Nation with over 50 different Languages [though ideally just four Groups: Bantu, Luo, Ateso-Karamojong and Madi Lugbara] - West Nile alone has quite a Number of dialects (Doesn't India have many Languages too? Anyway, North and South Korea are the least diverse, their Biggest Differences are basically English Loanwords in the South). 27th September is World Tourism Day. Enjoy West Nile; welcome to the northwestern Subregion in the Friendliest plus Most Physically Active Country on the Globe, six Stripes and one Crane in a white Circle! Keeping it sweet!

Pakwach Bridge on the Albert Nile

The Pakwach Bridge, Nebbi & Zombo: This is the Busiest Gateway to West Nile found in Nebbi District [Former Archbishop Henry Luke Orombi's Home Area] across the Albert Nile after a train ride (dogodogo in Lugbara - under revival) or refreshing road drive from Karuma through the Murchison Falls (Kabalega) National Park, the Biggest in UG with abundant Wildlife like Kobs, Warthogs, Giraffes, Hippos (with fresh pink Milk, forget Fresh Dairy Strawberry Milk/ Yoghurt for a while, this is pure GOD-Engineering!), Elephants (that can live for 70 to 80 years), Buffalos, Baboons and Birds. Feel the Wind, fast and furious as the Sun glistens on your Skin! If you use the Ferry in Masindi, then you pass through Palm Tree-laden Paraa-dise (Allow me to quip here!). Make Way for the Kings and Queens! Isn't the Frame of the Pakwach Bridge, across the awesome Nile River before it meanders to Sudan, from the old London Bridge? Just be careful while taking a Photo around here; a Friend of mine from Pakwach who later graduated in Structural Engineering was once arrested by a Soldier and taken to the Army Barracks nearby just for writing down in his Notepad the Road Distances shown near the Bridge. This Point of Interest is a great Place to "Watch the Park" hence the name "Pakwach" which also means "Place of the Leopard", the Best Venue among many at Owiny Primary School (according to NASA) on Sunday 3rd November 2013 for the entire World to watch the 7th Hybrid (Total Solar) Eclipse since Jesus Christ was born, Remember Pakwach! American Actor Brad Pitt was in UG to watch the Umbra! This Southern West Nile countryside is famous for Angara (Salty Fish) - If Jesus had been born around here, I bet his Disciples would have specialised in catching Angara. Pakwach Bridge is near the Point where Nyipiri (aka Gipiri) and Labong separated in 1450 AD. Ovugu was the elderly Brother of the two. Labongo’s Son swallowed the Bead of Nyipiri and Nyipiri asked to open the Stomach of Labongo’s Son in order to get the Bead. Labongo’s Spear also got lost from Nyipiri which he had borrowed to kill an Elephant. In revenge, Labongo demanded for the replacement of the Spear and also killed Labongo’s Son. At this point Labongo moved across River Nile to Parapong in Acholi land while Nyipiri remained as the ancestral Father of the Alur and Jonam. Amuru Hotsprings at the Confluence of Lake Albert and Albert Nile in Panyimuru Landing Site are the hot Watersprings that have significant healing Powers 20 kilometers from Pakwach Town. Alur Kingdom Palace is just 2 km from Nebbi Town towards Paidha Town. It is where King Rwot Olarker Phillip Rawune was coronated on 30th October 2010 for Alur Kingdom. Alurland is also famous for the round sugary Simsim Bread (Open Sesame!); interesting giant Nebbi Rock formations; Namrwodho Falls and Pavungu Area in Nebbi District; mouthwatering Nyaravur Fruits (mainly Mangoes and Oranges - The first Zombo Woman MP Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny called her Constituency a 'Food Basket') plus Radio Paidha (one of West Nile's first jamming FM Stations). Goli Prayer Mountain is also located in Nebbi. Biku Hill has probably the Smallest Church in the World (2.3 Metres wide and 8 Feet high) that accomodates only three People: a Worship Leader plus Congregation of two, Chapel founded in 1996. There's a miniature imitation of the Pakwach Bridge across the deadly Ora River in Madi Okollo as you enter Arua District [just like Kazinga Channel Bridge and on Kayunga Road], after sighting beautiful crested cranes in the predominantly Alur Zombo/ Nebbi area. There's also a UPDF Soldier's Beach on the Ora River. "Afoyo!" (Thanks! in Alur) has a nice ring to it when you accompany it with an 'Adungu' tune. Back in the day before the major West Nile Highways were tarmacked, I would spot Cotton Fields somewhere in Nebbi on my right as we headed to Arua, probably explained the presence of a huge Ginnery in Pakwach, Stuff I only read about in Primary and saw Negroes do in Movies but never really saw with my naked Eyes. Emin Pasha's Fort is located 47 kilometres from Pakwach Town, along the River Nile Bank. It is the Ruin of a Military Camp established by Sir Edward Schnitzer (Emin Pasha) aimed at stopping Slave Trade and the 1885 Mahdist Revolt in Equatorial Province. The main historic Remains are the earthen Ditches, observation Mounds, Ruins of Egyptian type red burnt Bricks and Steamer-docking Site. In the pre-colonial Era, Northern Uganda and Southern Sudan Areas suffered Slave Trade Activities from the Arab Traders. To encounter this inhuman Suffering, many military Forts among others were established by Explorer cum Administrators such as Charles Gordon, Sir Samuel Baker and Emin Pasha. The various Forts in northern Uganda were Patiko 1872, Dufile 1880, Wadelai 1885 and Magungo established by Dr Eduard Schnitzer (Emin Pasha).

(Proposed Site Plan for Barifa Nile Eco-City)

Arua City: Established in 1914, the ancient Capital of the Pan-Africanist Lado Empire is the Biggest Urban and Business Centre in the Region and one of the major Cities in Uganda if not the Capital of West Nile. Arua is a sweet, superfly, midsize City at the Heart of Africa. "'Di Arua, 'ba [Translated from Lugbara: This is Arua, man]!" I call it "The Sweetest Place on Earth" because the May mangoes are too sweet. It is where Uganda's Second Busiest Aerodrome operates though the first to be created; fly Eagle Air, Challenge Air, Uganda Airlines, Bar Aviation, etc to RUA! A 40-meter high Arua City Tower (the 2nd Highest Monument in Africa after Dakar, Senegal's 52-meter effigy) welcomes visitors to the area; next to it is the 20,000 seater Arua Hill Stadium and Business Park. The Bondo Greenhills, about 100 Km from Arua Town on Nebbi Road, look very plush green during the rainy seasons (April and October). The wider District has a Game Reserve in Ajai near Rhino Camp, a trading centre on the banks of River Nile. You will find people dancing 'Duluka' with music from banana-stem instruments plus excited kids playing an interesting game they call ''Golf''. I think it's more like hockey-tennis on (clay) soil. The puck is round and made from cut slippers which two players hit back and forth with sticks similar to the ones used in ''Gwara Gwara'' (a South African game) until they score inside each other's goal. Arua honey is a favourite among distributors and consumers alike. Oil wells have also been discovered near Rhino Camp. Ajai Game Reserve in Ogoko Subcounty, east of Arua City towards Rhino Camp is the Biggest Animal Habitat in West Nile. It is managed by a partnership comprising Arua District Local Government, Uganda Wildlife Authority and Uganda Wildlife Safaris. History records that United States of America's 26th President Theodore Roosevelt came to hunt and kill nine northern Rhinos in Rhino Camp, that Place is actually named that Way because they camped there. Ajai Game Reserve can be upgraded to National Park status and restocking done to make it the Home of the Square Mouthed White Rhino. In 2011, Lonely Planet, a globally respected Travel Magazine voted Uganda "The World's Top Tourist Destination for 2012" certifying the Notion that Arua is a Sweet Place afterall. Then in 2015, during the inaugural Mayor's Awards held in Luanda (Capital of Angola), Arua emerged the Second Best behind Cape Verde's Praia in the Small Cities - Best Towns in Africa Excellence Category. In 2017, CNN listed Uganda among the Top 5 Destinations. You can watch Butterflies in Season plus (migratory) Birds, some of which carry Tags from as far as Israel.

(Panoramic) View from: ARUA HILL (Landscape Impression)

Arua Town got its Name from the Hill overlooking Barifa Forest. Aru-a in Lugbara means "In Prison" and was the Name of the hill where Belgian Colonialists operated a Prison. Reminders of that Prison existed for some Time and Kickboxers used to train there. Nowadays, lots of Changes have occurred on the Hill and you will see Telecommunication Masts, a Water Reservoir and other Buildings including Voice of Life Radio (started in November 1997 on the upper Floor of a Friend's House in Jiako by Here Is Life Ministries [represented by Isaac Anguyo who retired in 2013] and DIGUNA - a German NGO [that provided the First Technician at VOL] while the current Premises were being prepared for moving in around 1998 and 1999). Muni which is visible in the South from the Hilltop reminds me of the Southern View of Mukono from Besaniya Hill; do not let the Trees deceive you: There is still some beautiful Architecture on the Ground if you pass there. Arua is sweet like a ripe red-orange-skinned mango. In 1914, the Southern Portion of the "splendid and alluring" Lado Enclave was assigned from Belgium to Uganda under the British Protectorate.

The pioneer West Nile District Chiefs with the first West Nile DC (District Commissioner) Alfred Evelyn Weatherhead next to B. A. Warner/ Bwana Verner) the ADC (Assistant District Commissioner) in 1918; the Blacks included Sultan (Fadhilmullah/ Fadimula) Marjan, Sultan Ali Kenyi, Ali Adu and Babua (the Chief Translator)...

Adua's grandson at Abairo or Yia Calu Waterfalls (East of Arua City)

Arthur Evelyn Weatherhead, the first District Commissioner for the New Area (West Nile) who also served as a colonial administrator in South Africa and Seychelles, drew the First Town Plan for Arua, his headquarters. Weatherhead Park Lane, the road from Arua's first Roundabout adjacent to the Golf Course towards Mvara T-Junction and the Presidential Suite in Anyafio Village, was named after him. You can either walk or tour around on a Boda Boda, Bicycle, Special Hire Taxi, Mini Bus, Camel, Skates, Scooter, Segway Bike or Tuk Tuk. My Aunt's Husband (Ham) from Yumbe informed me that the Golf Course used to extend up to Sambya before Awindiri. Buses would pass from Nebbi Highway via the Solar Streetlight-laden two-way Enyau Road [Water Works - Niva - UPDF Army Barracks Bypass] to Ediofe Highway [Pajulu Road] and then Arua Avenue eastwards at the Hospital T-Junction but the Distance was shortened through the Course near Muljibhai Arua Hill Primary School to a Roundabout. If someone tells you that you can find GOD on the Arua Golf Course, then s/he means you can find GOD at St. Philips Church next to Dorcus Inzikuru's Government-sponsored Bungalow. Rhino Camp Ginnery is the Earliest Ginnery for Cotton established in 1911 by Maga and Maga. Rhino Camp was also used for tracking Rhinos along the Banks of River Nile close to the old Steamer Docking; Railway Lines of 1950 Relics may still be visible. Meanwhile, China Railway Seventh Group (CRSG) did a great job on Go Down Road within Arua City. You can go run plus exercise at Zambe Health Club or any other fields. Olewa Waterfalls is Water falling 10 Meters from River Enyau as it descends towards River Nile at the Foothill of Mount Wati. Yia C(h)alu Waterfalls can be found beyond Ambeko Primary School in Oluko Subcounty, about a 10 Minute Ride east. It is also accessible from Dubai in Ocoko via Alivu Church of Uganda, ask for Directions from the Oco'ba Locals! Abairo Falls (also referred to as Oluko Falls and Mundu ma Yi [Whiteman's Water] after Mike Elkins - a Whiteman bought over 15 acres of Land near the Waterfalls) in Kamikua Village, Wandi Parish, Oluko Subcounty is about 20 minutes by vehicle East of Arua City; the Waterfalls drop from a Height of over 10 Metres. This enjoyable hidden gem is accessible to adults after paying at least 2,000 UGX at the gate (Kids free). Written on a Rock is: "Welcome Visitors to the Beauty of GOD's Creation". The slopy steps are properly barricaded and selector music is provided; great proggie for weekend afternoons or any other time! Abairo Falls features in the 2022 Lugbara flick from Fireworks Films and Nile Echo Film Industry entitled "Candia the Orphan" starring Jimmy Ojaku: A basin-charcoal seller goes from being mistreated by his stepmother to almost hanging himself, then becoming a cleaner after hearing a voice from the sky and then finally appointed a Personal Vice Manager by the boss he once helped for free to buy motorcycle fuel while the rider was stranded in some remote village. Less than one Kilometre away is Whaa Falls. There are several other small Waterfalls for instance Yi Kuru in Aliba Village on Enyau River plus the double-part Agoi Falls in Vurra, specifically Ndriveni Chiaba (Ask Sunday Bia +256-778-151530 for details). When I first came to Arua by Nile Coach Bus for six Days from 1st February 2000 with my Mother and the Sister I follow, I knew only one Roundabout but by 2016 there were over five plus several Junctions, Clock Towers and a Leopard Monument near Arua Hill. Politics split Arua into many new Districts but as a City-state from Madi Okollo to Koboko, its History can never fade just like Sultan Isara (a great Vurra Chief). His Grandson Charles Kirikiri Bua (+256-787-720986) who started the Isara Memorial Cultural and Community Library (IMCCL) in 2007 strongly believes West Nile has a very huge Tourism Potential. During 2021, in Partnership with Mount Wati Eco-tourism Initiative, he organised Training for 50 Tour Guides at Eripak Resort Beach Arua, facilitated by Herbert Byaruhanga (Uganda Safaris). Music Videos like "Arua City" by VAN SMOKEY, "Hustler" by LMB RAGGS, "Arua" by SIMPLE DEE and "First Lady" by SIMPLE FREDO show some Sights of Arua Town. Welcome to UG, the Pearl of Africa - a Country to be enjoyed...

Radio Pacis Staff: Father Tonino (Extreme Left), Sherry Meyer (Second Left) plus other Staff in All Black Suits and Sam Anecho (Extreme Right)...

Radio Pacis Solar Plant: This Photovoltaic Array with an Underground Battery in Ediofe (a Western suburb of Arua Town) powers the 2005 BBC Award-winning Catholic Community Radio Station for 72 uninterrupted Hours a Day, 21 Days a Week and 1095 Days a Year, Peace of Christ for all and was the Biggest in West Nile when set up! Installing more Solar Arrays like that plus Windmills would electrify the whole of West Nile constantly for many years in addition to the WENRECo Fuel Plants plus Karuma (600 MegaWatts), Kuluva Hospital's Hydro-dam on River Ala, Zombo's Nyagak Dams, Moyo Power Project, private generators, small solar installations and probably in future, Eskom's African Power Pool tapping from the Congo River's hydro-power capacity which includes the ambitious Inga Dam, projected to be the Biggest on Earth if completed. Oxygen, Heat, Water and Sunshine are Energy...

Gerard Maraa Iga infront of Miriadua Falls in MRC [Photo by Charlotte Beauvoisin (Diary Of A Muzungu)]

Maracha: Divided into Lower and Upper Maracha, this was a County of Arua District till 2006 (separated from Terego which returned to Arua as a County in 2010) and is blessed with fertile soil, breathtaking rock formations plus one of the finest recreational beaches in West Nile owned by Monsignor Kasto Adeti. Maracha is also the name of one of the Lugbara Clans. Some regard the Maracha Area as a Tobacco County in West Nile, also famous for Marijuana and churning out Ambassadors plus Musicians. It's between Arua and Koboko and stands out as a RockView Area, something like the Grand Canyon of West Nile as you travel on Yumbe Road after branching from the Koboko Road towards Tara(dise); Ajira Subcounty broke away from Tara but still related through Adi [Lugbara legends]. You will also find places named after other areas in Uganda for instance Kololo, Mengo, Mabira, Vura, Malaba and Kampala (Market). Miriadua Falls and the Alikua Pyramid built by the Belgians in the 1920s as a gravesite that also marks the headquarters of their Belgian Congo administration in the West Nile Region (1900 to 1911) are other Attractions of Interest. 

Friends enjoying Miriadua Falls...

The Waterfalls were named by [Inside West Nile and Arua Today Tourism Champion] Gerard Maraa Iga's Uncle called George S. Miriadua. He was born in Pakwach near the Nile during one of the Travels by Adua [Gerard's Grandfather]. Miriadua [shortened from Miria-Adua] was the first born Son of Maskini Adua - the County Chief of Maracha plus Chief Judge of West Nile transferred to Gili Gili by the Time of his Retirement in 1961 and was awarded an MBE [Member of the British Empire] for his Services to the Colonial Government. Miriadua is famed to have captained a team of Ugandans that travelled to the UK in 1956 to play football. They were being beaten in the first half because of wearing boots for the first time but won the game when they decided to go barefoot in the second half.

Miriadua Rocks

Miriadua asked nearby Settlers what they called the Waterfall and they told him (I)yi Kuru yet that is the general Lugbara Term for Waterfalls, so he named it after himself. It is found in Kijomoro on River Oluffe, the third River crossing on the Koboko Highway about 20 Minutes or 25 Kilometres north from Arua City, beyond Okokoro Town and Kijomoro Subcounty Headquarters but before Ovujo Town when you cut eastwards from the Junction with a Kakwa Primary School Signpost. It is not as huge as Niagara Falls in North America nor Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe but still stunning and was the Venue for the 2019 Cere Festival (West Nile's Nyege Nyege). Miriadua Falls appears in the music video "Ayaya" by LOVESON CONTROLLA and "Ma Asi" by KING WEEDA...

Rokoze Quarry (Photo by West Nile Web)

Rokoze is a beautiful manmade quarry lake found in Nyoro (Nyadri Subcounty, Maracha District where my uncle Felix Agoh Kimax [1958-2022] comes from, some kilometres behind Nyoro Primary School). Rain and underground water filled it when Chongqing International Construction Corporation (CICO) dug and extracted rocks for road construction in the 21st century leaving a depression. It was fenced off after some young'uns drowned while trying to swim. Fish from unknown origins have been spotted in this lake and it can be turned into a Tourist Attraction (for dronefishing, cage fish farming, ziplining or bungee jumping) in case it is not reclaimed as planned due to possible flooding in a heavy rain season. It can also be a water source for National Water. Stubbornly, people cut the wire fence in order to chillax and fish. Geographers if not the Parliament of UG should rename it Lake Maracha. Rock my world...

(Lugbara Children standing in front of one of the Big Three, Photo from Trevor Maxson)

The Big Three - Mt. Wati (aka Eti or Iti), Liru and Luku: The former found in Terego is one of the Tallest in West Nile though it lies in a lower Area above Sea Level (as shown on Google Maps). It's also the Origin of the Lugbara (according to Mythology) once inhabited by big serpents with mysterious snake lights for trapping prey at night. Dribidu, the first Lugbara met his leprous Wife there and healed her. Rebels used to climb up Wati to use their binoculars for locating soldiers advancing against them. Animals visible near Wati include Porcupines.

Mt. Liru as seen from one of the hills in Ojapi Parish in Tara Subcounty, Maracha; Photo by Aiko

Meanwhile, Mt. Liru is found on the border between Koboko and Maracha, approachable via Lurujo Road. There is a customised view when you sit on the Komendaku (Lugbara for "You don't have to look for a Chair") Rock. On top of Liru is a crater lake believed to connect to River Nile underground. Sometimes when it rains heavily, you see the mountain overflowing into the green forest around its foot. It harbours rock badgers, red (colobus) monkeys and other wildlife. It is believed that the Jewish Prophet Moshe disappeared from here. You can see the first pair of mountains in alignment if you stand on Koboko (Zain) Hill. Mt. Luku is the third mountain of West Nile found somewhere in Ayivu. The panoramic view on Arua Hill could give you a glimpse of two of the Big Three if am not mistaken. These three form a circle that binds the watershed plateau which is the Heart of Lugbaraland that extends towards Yumbe (Aringa) and Congo.

Maracha View (Vertices from the Locust or Grasshopper Clan of Lugbara) Logo by Aiko

It's a cold World, everybody needs a Hood. Adventurers and tourists write their names on the rocks and take small ones as souvenirs plus for research purposes. Red monkeys, rock badgers, porcupines and other interesting animals can be found near some of these rocks. When you stand at the soccer field of Ojapi Primary School (in Tara, I call it Taradise), the ranges anticlockwise from Mt. Liru include Kodro, Gala, Kadri, Adrofiya and Njeke (or Njakai). On the south side of Ojapi as you move from Oliapi Primary School to Orani (which also has a rock named after the place), you will see Adada and Luturujo (which translates as The House of/ on a Hill).

Enyau River (Nile Tributary) meandering beautifully at Ragem Beach in Greater Arua, Sony Ericsson T610 Camera Photo taken around 2009

River Nile: The region got her name from its Western position beside the great river that provides fresh fish like the big Nile Perch, salty Angara and Ngenje or Ngenjia (Small Silverfish). The Nile's tributaries like Ora, Enyau, Enve (19 Kilometres from Arua City), Oluffe (25 km), Ayi and Oru, Orei, Kochi, etc in Yumbe and Moyo plus underground or rock fountains furthermore supply the region with water. Basically, West Nile is nourished by Greatness. Ojiko Dri is a place on one of the tributaries where water flows over rocks. There are magnificent islands on the River Nile that widens near Adjumani. In Islam, one of the Rivers in Jannah (Heaven) is called Nil (which is the Nile). There are actually Prophecies that it connected through Central Africa with the Niger in West Africa but the Tributary dried up, Dakar Rally....

Northern Trio: Koboko (A former County of Arua District), Yumbe and Moyo: The first is like an intersecting border (forming a three finger W shape near Salia Musala - a borderless trading centre whose name means "tripartite relationship") for three of Africa's Biggest Communities (Sudan, Congo and East Africa), also has one of the five major towns of West Nile, (predominantly Kakwa), a field that the Israelis wanted to turn into the Biggest Airforce Base in UG (as well as Nakasongola) during Idi Amin's Regime (You can still hear Fear-provoking Attack Helicopter Gunships land near the Army Barracks Airfield), Lobule that mesmerised me with slick, concrete electricity pylons that termites cannot eat - up to Yumbe and parts of Arua (the rest of UG needs more of these), Lake Adola Milan plus a progressive Fishfarm visible near the Koboko Highway in a village called Nyangiliya (The Church of Uganda building near the school is a lovely work of art). Instead of alcohol, I would rather drink Novida (The Exotic Malternative from the Coca-Cola Company) which I first sampled in Koboko - cool and different. Adibu in Koboko is the ancestral Village where Idi Amin Dada's Clan of the Adibu reside, within the Congo-Uganda Border in Ogo Village, Pakayo Parish, Turupa Midia County, Koboko District. The village Home reflects the Journey of Idi Amin and his Ancestors from Bongo on the Slopes of Mount Liru to the River Banks of Keri Lojjo and in the midst of the Turupa and Leiko on the Congo-Uganda Border. The former Chiefs of Kakwa called Sultans and the Father of Idi Amin Dada are buried in the Cemetery of the Sultans at Nyarilo Mosque. Mount Liru ( Mount Gessi) as the ancestoral Home of the Kakwa. Adolomela Crater is a lake in Ludara, Koboko District measuring about 50 by 70 meters permanently in the middle of surrounding low rigged Hills. It is the only known Crater Lake in northern Uganda. The Plateau land joining (the predominantly Muslim) Yumbe to the Moyo Plateau is amazing. According to The New Vision in November 2014, Yumbe is the Number 1 District in UG where women outnumber men. This is the Land of the Aringa. Enjoy the red Sunrise and Sunset; every Dawn is a new Beginning, that's a very refreshing fact! Kuru Subcounty is where you find the well-digitised Yumbe Hospital. Also along Koboko-Yumbe Road is a mango-processing plant. Bayan II Hotel is a spacious city-class venue for open-air functions in Aringaland. From Kulikulinga (south of Yumbe Town), you can head to Obongi. A ferry crossing connects Moyo at Obongi (The Land of Fresh Fish) to Adjumani and the rest of Northern Uganda. Bidi-bidi Peace Camp is the historical Site of the former Ikafe Camp which hosted the South Sudanese Refugees struggling for the new Nation of South Sudan. The Camp was later occupied by UNRF II, who signed a Peace Agreement with Government of Uganda on 24th December 2002 at Yumbe Boma (British Overseas Military Administration) Grounds. Agbinika Falls is a Waterfall on River Kochi granitic Rockbed of about 30 meters with natural Trees and Forest Reserve suitable for Picnic Activities. It is located in Romogi, Yumbe. An archaeological Site also found in Romogi has Pitshafts of Iron Ore Mining. The archaeological surface Material includes a huge Concentration of Iron Slag, smelting Pipes and broken Pottery Shreds spread in a wide Area of kilometers. The Most Renown Iron Smelter was Mzee Yiga who started extracting the Iron Ore in 1911. The interior of Lodonga Basilica looks so artistically colourful that you might think you are in Europe remembering GOD. Dufile was a military Fort established by Sir Charles Gordon, the Governor of Equatorial Province in 1874 and later occupied by Emin Pasha in 1879 until 1889 near the magnificent Nile in Moyo. Dufile was the largest of some 20 major Egyptian Stations in northern Uganda and the southern Sudan. Many of the Forts were occupied for relatively short Periods but it was believed that Dufile was in existence during much of the Emin Pasha Period. Moyo People's Hall is an old colonial Building which served as the administrative Centre for East and West Moyo under the West Nile District. It was also a civic Centre. Kotilo Sacred Forest is a natural Forest Reserve where the Madi Chiefs were buried for instance Opi Wayi, Bandasi Dumunu and Lodo Feliciano. The Symbols of Stone Marks and natural Forest Trees symbolize the Life of royal Chiefs living on the growing Trees. Reconciliation and Justice Meetings are administered by the Kings at this site. Mount Oce or Otze is another Point of Interest to behold with a fantastic view of the Albert Nile as it flows into South Sudan and becomes the White Nile...

(Photo of Barifa Forest by Drasimaku)

Barifa Forest: The first time I saw the Lungs of Arua from atop Arua Hill, I felt dizzy for a moment because of amazement. If I was at the end of a cliff, I would definitely have fallen over drooling at the beautiful deep green scenery in front of me. It seemed bigger than it looked at ground level. Gazetted in 1948, the breeze from these eucalyptus trees feels very refreshing especially when the temperatures are right on top of the Lovers Rock. Although famed for criminal activity, it is also the venue of one of the Most Frequented Sports Grounds in the West Nile Region, that is Barifa Stadium which was named after the Greatest Female Athlete in UG, the Vurra born Dorcus Inzikuru. It seems like the Space is even enough for upgrading it to an Olympic Stadium. There is talk of transferring the Forest to Logiri in Vurra County to pave way for the futuristic Nile Eco-City. As Edison Adiribo, the Arua District Forestry Officer said: Forests attract rainfall! Meanwhile, the Forest that starts at the Lokiragodo Junction after River Enyau welcomes you to the Maracha Borderline. Forest bathing therapy emancipates you from depression; the oxygen there is extra fresh...

(Anglican) Emmanuel Cathedral, Mvara

Places of Worship: The churches and mosques in West Nile have unique designs. From the cathedrals plus churches in Nebbi and Moyo to (the Roman Catholic) Ediofe Cathedral, Christ the King, St. Philips and (the New) Emmanuel in Arua (three two-Hour-long Sunday Services beginning 7AM; less than 200 metres south is the old Emmanuel Cathedral built in 1936 by the British Congregation of Christ Church West Bournemouth in memory of Trevor Hope Lingley B.A., consecrated in 1969 when West Nile Diocese formed from Greater North [Gulu] Diocese and desecrated in 2007 but then miraculously renovated with Funds from CMS Ireland - Sunday School Kids and their Parents collected Money. The Old Emmanuel Cathedral was reconsecrated or recommissioned on Sunday 20th May 2018 as a modern Children and Youth Resource Centre. Many notable Men and Women of GOD are buried on it's East End, so Reverend Canon Stephen Chelenga who preached the Sermon that Day said it was not fitting to just demolish the Structure. As Celebrations to mark 100 Years of the Anglican Faith in West Nile were going on that Year, this was a Moment to savour.) to the mosques up north in Koboko and Yumbe, you can find Church-itecture and Mosq-onstructions that present divine Public Art where the Name of GOD is commemorated in abundant measure (QURAN 22:40 - Pilgrimage). Voice of Life FM, Radio Pacis and other broadcast stations also keep reminding listeners that the House of GOD is the place to be. Many sanctuaries of worship are built in different architectural styles offering construction variety for recollection and prayer. You will hear the Engels say, "HE is here, HE is GOD! (We came to tell you that Someone - on a white Horse - is coming that is far beyond you, Muhammad, Buddha, Aga Khan, the Emperor of Japan and us, unless you repent your sins. HIS Name is JESUS...)"

Adjumani: It's found East of the Albert Nile but because of ethnic similarities with West Nile tribes, it's regarded as part of West Nile. Sometimes, you wonder why this is acceptable but it's all good. The First Ancestor in Lugbara Mythology, named Dribidu might have been excommunicated from there. The Rooster is the Clan Totem for the Madi Tribe here. Famous People from Adjumani include Lieutenant General (Retired) Moses Ali who served in Amin's Government plus Museveni's, amazing! Idriani Missionary Site in Pakele is the Point where the first Catholic Missionaries arrived in West Nile around November 1911 and baptized the first 22 Catechumens; the first Missionary Church was built at this Site. In 2012, the West Nile Congregation in Idriani celebrated the Centenary with a Pilgrimage. Adjumani Amuru Hotspring is a shallow hot water spring that started in 1947 with a circumference of about 1 meter, now expanding to about 10 meters by 6 meters. It is believed to cure skin problems. You could as well travel across the Border to Yei, Kaya or Juba (South Sudan) plus Aru or Ariwara (DR Congo) within a Day and back...

This Is My Uganda (by Aiko)
This is my COW and TREE (Country)! On the Night of Saturday 7th January 1984, I was born in Jinja Hospital [Uganda]. That same Day Middlesbrough, a Football Club in the Land of my Country's Colonisers [who had granted UG its Independence 22 Years behind], knocked out Arsenal - my future Favourite Team from the FA Cup; I became a Diehard Gooner for Life 14 Years later while watching the 100th FA Cup Final but have always been a Ugandan, I have no Choice! So here are some Things I love about this Territory GOD put me in told using Entries of the Top 20 Towns of Old UG that Philly Bongole Lutaaya sings about in his "Merry Christmas" Song before Districts multiplied tremendously to Hundreds in the new Millenium, HALLELUJAH!

JESUS TV: YESU Kristo ye Mukama...

Kampala: It is really a fly City, Kajjansi, no Lie! Towakana [Don't deny]! JESUS Christ, Satellite Cities visible on Entebbe Highway alone are a Testament to Kampala's Progress since the 90s! They say: [Kampala si Bizimbe] translated from Luganda: Kampala is not Buildings, but I love to call it KLA City, fresh like Arabian Dates. Welcome to the Home of Impalas, Capital of UG! Someone said that Kampala was "built on seven Hills like Rome"; the central ones are Kololo, Makerere, Nakasero, Kibuli, Naguru, Mbuya and Mengo though there are actually many Hills including Buziga, Namirembe (which has the Oldest Cathedral in UG), Kikaaya, Muyenga, Rubaga, etc. Whoever said seven Hills had his own Issues! When in KLA, do what the Kampalans do, eat Rollex which is simply fried Eggs rolled inside a Chapati though might include extra Ingredients like Cabbages, Onions, Pepper or Carrots! It was invented in Nakulabye Suburb behind Makerere University around the Turn of the Millenium for People on the Move especially Makerere University Campusers who might not have Time to cook and became a worldwide Sensation. Ugandans even came up with Varieties including Double Titanic which contains two big Chapatis and Mairungi Rollex from as far as Arua in Northwestern UG! Some of the Buildings in KLA are definitely eye-catching and refreshing like NTV Property Show-Type of Way; the Architecture helps you destress even if you do not own them nor have big Money to spend. German Hero Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, "Architecture is frozen Music!" Life is not as easy in KLA as it is imagined to be from outside KLA but no Need to commit Suicide, rob People nor riot and destroy what is already set up while venting out Frustration. I would rather hustle smartly and ask GOD to bless me than demonstrate defiantly about being a Bum or Victim of Government Corruption! Cranes, Pigeons and Marabou Storks do not complain that Eagles fly too high and consume a lot of Oxygen, they just enjoy their own Airspace down under here. This is the Era of Natasha's Father (Museveni); we look for Money but it doesn't add up! Even if you save it in a Bank, it is still deducted for various Charges. Islamic Banking, Stock Exchange and Agriculture might just be better Options for Securities. You cannot buy KLAss; it's inborn! If not, then it grows on you, Kampala! KLA City is the Melting Pot for all Ugandans [Bantu, Luo, Karamojong-Ateso and Madi-Lugbara] plus Foreigners though within the Buganda Tribe's Domain. KLA has a lot of Happening Places and Points of Interest, follow the Music! Architectural Designs in KLA I admire include: Cham Towers [former UCB], Gadafi Mosque [Foundation laid during Amin's Time but completed in M7's Reign], URA Towers, Mukwano House, Crested Towers, Ham Towers, Serena Hotel [built during Idi Amin's Time (though renovated during M7's Regime with the beautiful golden peach colour for CHOGM 2007)], the New Parliament Building (Largest on Earth), Bahai Temple [Biggest on the African Continent, tall but breathtakingly hollow inside], Legacy Towers, dfcu Main Building, Hilton Hotel in Nakasero, Church House, Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) [with probably the first Olympics-worthy Swimming Pool in the Country yet the Land on which it was built used to be a Rubbish-dumping Area with many Anthills], Bwebajja Hotel, Commonwealth Speke Resort Munyonyo, Mandela National Stadium [Nambole], CBC Nakawa, Uganda Communications Commission [UCC Building in Bugolobi], Workers House, CNOOC Headquarters [on Acacia Avenue], etc. If someone asks me if Uganda is developed, then I would tell them to watch the Music Video for "Should've Been Me" by NAUGHTY BOY, KYLA and POPCAAN (that is two Britons and a Jamaican). We are not the Most Developed Nation on Earth, always been regarded "third-world" but Ugandans are unflinchingly lively and try to be better; UG is skating in the right Direction. Even National Budget Projections of 9 percent Growth are not exactly representative of the immovable Resolve, Ugandans just live in the Moment and enjoy their Lives. Urban Tourism is also a great Adventure in this City; we go to School and learn about Canadian Prairies, British Columbia and the Rhinelands yet we do not even know some of the Street Corners and Landmarks in our Capital City...

Masaka: West of KLA seems like a prominent Section of Buganda Kingdom. Although famed for Witchcraft and Rape, Masaka is another Shade of KLA Prosperity, the Origin of Ghetto President Bobi Wine. The Equator crosses here so Buganda must be Part of the Centre of the Earth, am not joking, real Talk! The Country Uganda got its Name from the Central Kingdom Buganda and the indigenous Language Luganda is the Most Widely Spoken in UG. I grew up in Jinja [Busoga] in the East of KLA but mastered Luganda faster than Lusoga maybe because the Kabaka's Mother Tongue sounds like the Most Standard Bantu Lingual. In Primary 1 while in Busoga, I was six Years old but I had a Classmate called Namboze [Luganda Name] who was a Kafulu [Guru] in telling Olugero [Luganda Proverbs] and other Stories. It's like she spent her Evenings around a Bonfire: "Awo olwatuka..." For me I knew zilch about the Stories in Lugbara Mythology and I admired her immense Retention at that Age, or was she already grown...

Mbarara: When I think about this Place, the first Thing that comes to my Mind is Milk [Amate], then Museveni and then big curvaceous Women [Ugandan Juice], forget Rwanda! The Biggest Hips and Figures originate from Mbra and the West, right? Well, that is just my Opinion, might not be factual; what do you think? Lake Mburo, an inland Lake is found here plus its Game Park which has Zebras among other Animals. I used to think Baganda [whom Lugbara colloquially call A'bua - Bananas] grow the Most Bananas in UG because Trucks ferrying Matooke would come from KLA to Jinja until I saw crazy Banana Plantations in Ankole, almost like Forest Farms but all the "Trees" you think you are viewing might actually be Banana Plants. It is not fair to hate People from this Area because of their Appetite for Meat, Chips or Chicken; they are not showing off! In December 2015, a Kilo of Meat in Mbra cost only 5,000 UgX which was exactly half the Cost in Arua. Beef even reduced further to 3,000 UgX per kilo. You cannot hate an Eskimo for wearing Fur Coats all the Time even if they are expensive to you...

Kabale: I have a number of Bakiga Friends from here; some say it is a freezing-cold Place blessed with many Craters plus Islands on its Lakes like the deep but calm Bunyonyi. On the Border with Kisoro, Rwanda and DR Congo, you will also be interested by Mgahinga Mountains plus the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest (lots of Oxygen) famous for endangered Mountain Gorillas (The Gentle Giants), the whole World's remaining 50 percent of which can be found in UG...

Fort Portal: Dubbed the Cleanest Town in UG, this Town named after Gerald Portal [the British General who declared UG a British Protectorate in 1894] has a beautiful Backdrop of the Rwenzori Mountains in the West. King Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV [of Toro Kingdom], the World's Youngest Crowned King [at 3 Years] in the Guinness Book of Records has a Palace perched on a Hill South of the Town. He is now a very grown Man though...

Rwenzori Mountain as seen from Hotel Margherita off Kilembe Road, Kasese

Kasese: Wabuchirey? Wasibirey? My First Campus Crush [a Mukonzo] is from around here and I had drafted Plans to visit this Tourist Town. When we grew apart because of a personal blunder, I still got an Opportunity to visit the Copper Belt of UG but wanted to lie to Martha (a Graduate Fellow from Kapchorwa like UG's 2nd Olympic Gold Medalist Stephen Kiprotich) sending me there for a Documentary with International Alert's Robinah Kajwenge that I was too busy to go. However, the Holy Spirit somehow convinced me early enough that Morning to be easy; I was actually slowly emailing my Arua Boys Comic to a Belgian and stopped before finishing because of the Time I needed to travel from Mukono back to KLA, then West. In my Clearest Memory, it was my first Time beyond Nakasongola Train Station and our Link Bus which departed at 4 PM reached Kasese after Midnight; I could smell Copper as we neared the Town at full Speed in thick Darkness but was very glad that the Town was safely lit. From the Bus Park, I got a Bodaman who took me to the Inn I had to check into about 200 Metres away, talked to the Askari who woke up the Innkeeper [a calm Lady] that showed me the Room which had been booked for the Person I was replacing [He had to return for Exams in Makerere University Kampala after also replacing Martha], as smoothly as that, no Fussing! It's a modern Town, Sudhir Ruparelia's Hometown, the Farthest Western Point on the Uganda Railways! There was nothing to complain about and I loved the View of the Rwenzori when I woke up, very refreshing and humid Weather too. There is a lot to explore on Africa's Biggest Block Mountain including winding Roads, huge Boulders, Quarries, rare Plants, Blue Rivers and Water that flows upstream using the Physics of Channels, amazing Stuff I never learnt at School. Also checked out Bwera at the Congo Border. Returned to Rwenzori four Years later through a Swift Safaris Bus (slow but reassuringly safe and steady) and felt at Home but was still stunned by the Hima Cement Factory owned by the French Giant LaFarge as you leave Kasese for Fort Portal. Great Lakes Edward, George and Katwe (Salt Mining) are also around. Who said there is no Snow in UG? We don't have an Ocean Coastline but surely have Snow! What else do you wish for, a Space Station? Be easy, Airtel is like one. There are pink Flamingoes and other Animals to spot in this Area. The Queen Elizabeth National Park has an Animal Variety similar to Murchison Falls Park except the Giraffe which is missing; nevertheless the unique Lions here can climb Trees especially in the Ishasha Sector in the south. Don't miss the amazing Western Rift Valley Gorge as you approach Kasese, feels like a succulent Geography Lesson 411...

Hoima: The Furthest I have ever been here is the Road heading there, but heard a lot about its Oil Discoveries in the Albertine Graben and a proposed Kabaale International Airport that will definitely boost Tourism. Uganda is the Heart of Africa and when Foreigners jet in, they have five to six other landlinked Travel Itinerary Options to try neighbouring UG. Guess all Ugandans are supposed to benefit from Oil and Gas, hahaha, how possessive we can get! Please don't start another Riot or Defiance Campaign...

Masindi: I feel close to Nature in this plush green Place more than anywhere else in UG, it has the Biggest Game Park in the Country (out of about 10) plus the Karuma and Murchison Falls (the Most Powerful Waterfall on Earth which is only 7 Metres wide). Paraa(dise) on the Nile with its Ferry Crossing is also not very far plus Lake Albert is on the Western Frontier with DR Congo. Murchison Falls is the Hardest Drop of Water where the whole Nile is squeezed through a mere six metres, that's almost like only three adults stretching out their arms and joining hands. Budongo Forest in Masindi is 825 square kilometers of which 430 sq. km is continous forest. Budongo Forest has 49 species of reptiles, 332 species of birds, 29 species of amphibians, 95 species of mammals and 449 species of trees. In 2017, the Royal Mile was regarded as the single Best Bird Watching Site in Uganda. The Town looks like a typical Colonial Establishment with similarly designed Buildings on the Slopes but peaceful enough to be enjoyed. Although later exiled, Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro resisted the British and became a Ugandan Legend of Independence plus Resistance of Imperialism. Some of the Takeaway Food here is hot, not in the Sense of Temperature or Spices but everything, Aroma, Flavour, etc, just name it. Around Kiryandongo, Nwoya and Amuru there are wonderful Maize Farms, Sunseed must be running some of these. Like the Lugbara say: Kaka ni ka 'ba sikokori ni indi! [Translation: Maize also ripens for toothless people!] Uganda is blessed, there is a lot of Progress going on but People still complain. When other People are moving forward, you try to learn from them instead of demonising them too quickly. The Zziwa Rhino Sanctuary is also found around here and helps you forget that the endangered White [Wyd] Rhinos of Arua's Ajai Game Reserve near Rhino Camp are no more...

Lira: My Sister [TLC] was posted here by her Bank for some Time and she called me to work at a Milk Parlour run by her Ugandanised Rwandese Friend [who spoke fluent Langi and Luganda], repaint the misspelt "Dairy" Name at the Entrance plus design a fresh Label on the Side Wall. I'm someone who does not get jaded by new Places immediately [because I explore] and I had good Friends to see in Lira so I moved quite a bit, lovely Town: even saw former President Milton Obote's Residence which had his Statue in the Compound, [UG's First Olympic Gold Medalist] John Akii Bua Stadium plus Lira Golf Course, Airstrip and Industrial Area. It is a solid Town, lots of Construction going on. Some fat Woman who had come to buy Milk assured me that I would learn Langi by force, but she did not know that I was there briefly; I told her I would try. Enjoyed watching Big Rigs come and go through the Town near the Roundabout, probably heading to Soroti southwards or Gulu northwards. People who have enough Time to spend on the Road or would not mind many Stopovers (at Postoffices) while touring the East from KLA can use Postbus...

Gulu: Kopango, kope, ariyomaber! I still remember that Song as a Kid. Was last near the Town as a Baby though passed by Kamdini Corner in the 2010s and always pass through the District on the Way to and from KLA, my Father even studied there way back before I was born but after the LRA Insurgencies began, I have never stepped in Acholi Town. Only seen Videos, looks huge, definitely a Capital in Northern UG. Like they say downcountry, Gulu means Heaven or Up, ask Kim Kardashian and Kanye West! Aruu Falls in Pader, about one hour east of Gulu is quite stunning; it spreads into seven different waterfalls fit for a Hollywood blockbuster movie...

Soroti: Ebyaibo? Jokuna! Yalama! Ebo! Teso kere, the Most Beautiful Women in UG come from Teso! Did I just say that? Okay, People always say French is romantic, have they really listened to Ateso? Wama, you don't need their Approval! The Fish, still Lakes and flat Swamps, Oranges, Red Soil, native Friends like Ogwapit, Anyait, Olupot, Amuron, Ikinyang, Alupo plus Onya Kokas, massive unmissable Rock with Tanks on Top at the Edge of the Indian-style Town, Soroti Flying School, Serere Greenlands, busy Streets and Inhabitants make you feel alive. There are also Nyero Rock Paintings in Kumi for those fascinated by Historical Artefacts. Ngora Township is also a Place of Interest...

(UG in 2017) - #Onduparaka, Police, URA, BUL, Villa, Vipers, Saints, Soana, Lweza, Express, Bright Stars, Sadolin, KCCA, Proline, Jinja Municipal, Kirinya...

ARUA: What more can I say? I feel like I have exhausted it all before on other Platforms: A-Town, City of the Leopard, The Sweetest Place on Debit Earth, At the Heart of Africa, Home of my Ancestors, Ancient Capital of Pan-Africanism, Idi Amin and Dorcus Inzikuru made it famous, yada yada yada! The District used to occupy the Land as far as Koboko's Border with Sudan before being broken into Chunks but the Spirit of Arua Town since 1914 remains, named after a Hill west of Barifa Forest; Arua Heal (Where do broken Hearts go?)! Rhesus or red and white Monkeys used to climb the few Trees on the Hill but some Humans chase them away. Though predominantly Lugbara, Arua still accomodates all Tribes. Mount Wati in Terego County is said to be the Origin of the Lugbara. There is always a Warning against Poison from Terego, but they also have the Antidotes. Meanwhile, People from this Clan do not want to be labelled as such because not everytime is someone poisoned. JESUS said in Mark 16:18 that if those who believe in HIS Gospel drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; believe in JESUS! White Ants fly in the earlier and middle Parts of the Year but November is Grasshopper Month. The mainly green Delicacy which also represents the Maracha Clan of Lugbara brings back Deja vu of Morning Chases and Streetlight Night Trapping from Jinja in the 90s. Hotel Pacific on Adumi Road opposite MTN Orasea was the First Hotel in Arua. You can go there to enjoy Tradition mixed with Modernism! Small Planes fly to the Arua Airfield everyday, othertimes Helicopters too plus Jets but not yet the Jumbo ones [might become an International Airport by 2030 though]. From Rhino Camp, Ajai, Oluko and Mvara to Ediofe, Gili Gili, Pajulu and Vurra to Onduparaka, Odramacako, Yumbe and Koboko to Onzivu, Kuluva, Bondo and Okollo, it feels good to be here. The First Wedding I ever attended in Arua was before University at the Old Emmanuel Cathedral; Rows of rectangular Sitting Mounds were permanently attached to the Floor and made from Claysoil just like many other ancient Churches in West Nile. The Reception was held two to four Minutes away at the National Forestry Authority (NFA) West Nile Range Management Support Office Compound on Oluko Road and General Salim Saleh came for the Party with his Soldiers plus Bakoko Bakoru; felt so safe even though some People ran away briefly because of Poppers during Cake Cutting while I washed my Hands. It reminded me of Age 5, a Year before my Parents moved to the same Block as the Bride; I heard Explosions like Bombs or Grenades at a Clive Road [Jinja] Wedding Reception from a visible Distance but at the End of the Function, everyone walked out of the Building unhurt and happy. During the dry Winter of Arua, you experience Desert Conditions like short brown Grass, no Rain and some cold Nights. Despite Water Shortage from December to February [three critical Months] because of the dry rainless Winter, Arua is still a good Place to enjoy. There is no Water in Hell but since there is some here, we must be living in Heaven on Earth. Around 1994, travelling to Arua from KLA would take about two Weeks because of the half-Tarmac and full-Dirt Roads with Potholes that caused Tyres to get stuck during the Rain Season. By the 2000s, Expected Time of Arrival (ETA) had shortened to about nine Hours and Departure Time was not only at 5:30 AM before Dawn but also Daytime. Today, it takes at least seven Hours by Coach; People who drive without unnecessary Stoppages or Delays can even manage six Hours only. An American was once posted to work in Arua, but his Wife told him she did not fancy the Place because there was no Swimming Pool around and wanted to go back. If only she had searched, then she would have found one to enjoy. Truth be told, there was a Swimming Pool near her residence; it’s just that it was without Water. Also, it’s smack in the Middle of a Public Place; a very busy Road (Weatherhead Park Lane) is next to it and Swimmers can be spotted easily. I remember when I was growing up in Jinja, we would go to the chainlink Fence of the Golf Club Swimming Pool and ogle at People’s Sisters in Bikinis. You could only see them while standing on the Golf Course because the front Face on Nile Crescent was shielded by a Building. We would be chased away. In Arua City, there are Swimming Pools at Desert Breeze (north of the Golf Course), White Castle Hotel (Ewuata Village) and Eripak Beach Resort (on Nebbi Highway) plus other Places even in Adjumani District, northwest of Terego. Enyau Kebiri used to be a vibrant hangout Place too. Ragem Beach is quite relaxing as a Sightseeing Venue because of the Plant Canopy and the 2 and 5-shaped River Meanders of Enyau Tributary but swimming in the Water may be hazardous! If Rhino Camp had a Mega-beach, then West Nilers would flock there on Weekends, perhaps even on special Motorcycles. It's amazing that you can also get Pizza in Arua though am not a huge Fan...

Moroto: Well, I have never been to Karamoja but Teso where I have trekked is just next Door and they share Anthropology. Anyway, when a K'jong Kid [sounding Chinese here, you know Mahjong and K(e)jong] on KLA Streets asks you for "Kikumi" [100 UgX], it does not mean all Karamojong Kids beg. Some are even more well off than me; I actually graduated with one in 2006, another one sings like a Diva - I don't have to mention her Name and others are in Government. There is a Record that the Karamojong were the Last Ugandans to become civilised; in fact, we from West Nile and the Karamojong were regarded the "Naked People" because we took Time to start wearing foreign Clothes en masse though some Women still dig with bare Chests exposing their Boobs. Along the Way, the Stereotype of these Nomads will change. First Lady Janet Kataha Museveni probably laid a very strong Foundation for that fundamental Change as Minister of Karamoja before 2016. Personally, I imagine a Giant Solar Farm in their Desert would be a Plus; funnily there is a Project in the Teso Neighbourhood. There are Ostriches and other Animals to see here...

Mbale: Besides KLA City, I think Mbale would be a fitting Capital City because of its Size and Proximity to different Parts of UG except the West, but definitely an Eastern Capital that can roll with Jinja. Mbale used to be the Cleanest Town in UG. With the extinct volcanic Mount Elgon in the Background, the Place just feels BIG; Islamic University In Uganda (IUIU) is also there. Friends who studied from the Mbale Area usually talked about a notorious Secondary School called Manjasi! People here enjoy cooked Amalewa (Bamboo Stems); I guess Chinese Pandas do too. My Memory of Bamboo as a Kid was that they were the Most Painful Canes at School, more dreaded than Police synthetic Sticks. So if some Ugandans use them for alternative Purposes, then I definitely side with them. Can you hear the Kadodi Music? Must be Imbalu [Bagisu Cultural Circumcision] Season this Year. It's amazing that Mbale has Black Jews (Abayudaya) who have been around since 1919: Shalom...

Tororo: The Wall-fenced Cement Factory reminds you that this is a very Important Town in the Economy of Uganda, nicely criss-crossed by the Railway too. My Eldest Sister studied here so I first witnessed the famous Tororo Rock in 1991 during one Visitation Day, even met my beloved previous Year [Primary 1] Art Teacher visiting her Daughter at Tororo Girls [She later died of Cancer, Rest in Peace Madame Achere!] She also taught us English and how to draw simple Line Animals [Cats and Dogs] before I moved up to adding detailed Flesh. I hear some People from here have Recorders that only dub Jap(adhola). If you speak in English or any other Language, it won't record, haha...

Busia: This was an Area I first visited as a Kid, the Rainforests and Northern Corridor tickled my fancy. Mambo vipi Bwana! Poa! Roger that Denis Masinde Onyango...

Malaba: When you mention Busia, it is not a Felony to mention Malaba afterwards. They are like Twins, their Difference is their Similarity: Trucks, Trailers, Pickups and more Trucks at the Kenyan Border! Bismillah, ALLAH Karim...

Jinja: Kod'heyo! I was born here so this is my Hometown by Birth, love it with all my Heart, Home of Nyege Nyege (since 2015 but always been a jamming Town); you wish there was a Party after Party for JESUS. Forget the red Dust, Jiggers, Guinea Worms, Hook Worms, Sprains and Malaria! Idinda raised me for 11 Years, word, the Adventure Capital of East Africa: Source of the Nile (Jinja is the Source of my Life); Lake Victoria; Jinja Sailing Club; Bridges; Njeru [across the Nile]; Cars including multi-Colour lit Trailers, UTC Buses and Formula 1 Racers on the Bypass from Iganga to Owen Falls Dam while I was at Gaddafi Barracks; Hotels: Triangle, Tim Tom, Crested Crane, 2 Friends Restaurant and Paradise On The Nile; Golf Course; Jinja Golf Club Swimming Pool; Post Office [with my Best Friend - Ogwapit], Primary Schools; Girl Crushes; Annual Jinja Agricultural Show; Indians; Somalis; St. Andrews Church/ Sunday School/ JESUS Movie Screenings/ Children's Christmas Parties; Dr. Okuga & Kalikwisha; Uncle Sweety and Uncle Kabalagala [Pancakes]; Namungodi [Rice Mandazi]; Balafu [sweet, coloured, Ice-cool Drink]; Sechungwa [seedless Oranges]; Fish; Phantom Comics; Rumours of Ghost Points, Mermaids and Mermen; Bujagali Falls; sweet Tamarind Juice; red Buyi Buyi Sweets; Mairungi and Big G; colourful Biashara Shops; Main Street; Queensway; Uganda Railways; Ships; Comboni Missionary named Pontius Anguyo who lent me his Mountain Bike whenever he visited and introduced me to the Other Side of Town; Boda-boda Bicycle Rides; Spire Road Soccer plus other Games: Dooloo [Marbles], Wire Cars [with Bulbs for Night Driving], Tapo [Hide and Seek], Skipping Rope, Okwepena [Dodgeball], Obugolo obutono [Small Goals], Dimula, Joggling, Swings, Mango Tree Basketball [I wish His Airness Michael Jordan saw what he inspired], Cards, Dolls, Golf, etc; Babe-watching at the Golf Club Swimming Pool; Grasshopper Season; Cinemas; Earthquake 110 [Club]; Nightlife; Siren [like a World War Battle Cry but now a Time Alarm] that would be heard allover Town - inspired me when I was appointed Timekeeper at SMACK in 1999; interesting Neighbours including a Man who claimed he owned everything, his Brother-in-law who was in and out of Jail repeatedly and Nasabu, a Girl who rose from the Dead but became mute - almost kidnapped successfully for Sacrifice, Amina (my 1st Spire Road Crush), Kawino (Neighbour's Daughter I loved like myself), her Step Brother Tabu, Kasim and his Brother (forgot his Name though calmer) plus Sister Fatuma Baati, Oscar, Neya and his Brother Paulo, Zadoki (who thought I would grow up obese), John and his young Sister, the Ntoniyo Twins, Captain, Saviour, Sam, LC's Kids, the Itesots, etc; Soldiers walking in Line at Night; Friends and Family. Jinja used to be the Industrial Town of UG, had the Biggest Hydro Power Dam in the entire Country and several big Factories like Kakira Sugar Works (KSW), Tip Top Bread, Garden Tea, Nile Breweries, NYTIL [Nyanza Textile Industries Limited], Dunlop, etc. Electricity would only go off during a Thunderstorm. When my Parents moved permanently to KLA in 1995, that is when I started hearing about Load-shedding, even appeared as a Test Question during PLE [Primary Leaving Examinations 1996], I think I misspelt my Answer as "Lode-shedding" because it was still something new to me. Ancient Books and even new ones write that Honey is the Sweetest Thing you know: "as sweet as", you guessed it. Okay it's the Food of Angels and so forth but sometimes Sugar tastes better than Honey. Forget Turkish Delight for a while, as a Kid: Jinja was as sweet as (Lydia's) Tamarind Juice and brown Kakira Molasses locally referred to as Sukaligulu [High Sugar] brought by my Best Neighbourhood Friend and Classmate Paul Nyakairu's Uncle (nicknamed Sweety) who worked for Madhvani. They say that Uganda was born in 1962, but this Land, River and Lake have been here since Adam and Eve, temutukoya [Do not drain us]! Who discovered Bujagali Falls by the way? Located a few Metres from Lake Victoria, the Source of the Nile is an Area where 30 percent of the Water comes from Underground indicated by Bubbles before it flows vigorously over Rocks and Gorges. On the Banks of the Nile is the Speke Monument built on the Spot where John Speke discovered the Source. Declared one of the 7 Wonders of Africa, the Longest River on Earth flows through nine Countries from Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, DR Congo, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan to Egypt. It provides Water, Fish, Transport, Tourism and Hydro Power...

Mukono: During Holidays between 1993-5, we would travel from Jinja to stay with my Dad who was working in KLA. After Chicken-sweet Namawojjolo Market in Mabira Forest, I realised that there was a Town before KLA with two Sets of Humps [Speed Bumps], one as you enter the Town and another as you leave. In my Mind, I imagined that there must be "something peaceful worth exploring" in that Area. So when my Sister Tina whom I follow by three Years applied for me to join her at Uganda Christian University in 2003 instead of Makerere which had not listed me neither on Government nor Private Sponsorship, I walked in Mukono for the first Time and got struck instantly by the Beauty of the Palm Gardens between the Old Library and the Ivory Tower [Administration Block]; they felt like King Solomon's Gardens described in the Bible. I guess that satisfyingly answered my Decade-old Question! Enter HIS Gates with Thanksgiving! The rest of Mukono Town is loveable too though dehydratingly hot in some Months; you can view Lake Victoria at a Distance from the Top of Besaniya Hill [Ankrah Foundation]. Don't be deceived by the many Trees, there are lots of interesting Buildings to see on the Ground in Mukono Suburbs when you walk around, it's like a residential Heaven inspired by UCU! Imagine a Beach on Top of a Building, that is Satelite Beach Mukono for you. The Brickworks left of the Valley Bend as you approach Seeta from Mukono used to be a prominent Sight until Construction all around it stole the Show from Lugazi University and Abacus Pharmaceutical Factory up to Namanve Business Park and Kireka. Tea Estates, Lugazi Sugar Factory plus Cable Corporation were also Eye Catchers. In the 90s, my Travel Impression was that from Jinja and Njeru, we would go through Lugazi, Mabira Forest for about eight to 10 Minutes abundant with refreshing Oxygen (While relaxing at the Mabira Forest Picnic Area, Saudi King Faisal called Uganda "Paradise"), then Mukono, then scattered Forests before KLA, five big Towns only. Two Decades later however, you cannot even tell where Mukono ends and KLA begins or vice versa! I spent 10 consecutive Years stepping in Mukono; High Grade Witchcraft and Iron Bar Hitmen made Mukono Town worrisome but JESUS is still LORD, Angels protect! I got my lucid-high oneway Philosophy on Monday 4th October 2004 while sleeping at St. Michael Royale Hostel [Room 3] in Mukono: "If you have a Problem, then just look up [oneway] to Heaven!" GOD is invincible...

Entebbe: The Longest Beach in the Country is at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC), aka The Zoo. For just 10,000 Ugx [Discounts for Groups fall up to 4,000 UgX per Person], you could enjoy the diverse Wildlife UG boasts about in just one navigable Area. From State House to Golf View Hotel to Knight Rider Club plus the Old Town, there are many Sites to behold. The Biggest Airport in UG among about 50 Fields [one and a half Hours by Air from Mombasa, Kenya plus Kinshasa, DR Congo while five and a half Hours from Cairo, Egypt plus Cape Town, South Africa] operates here and next to it is another Beach, Lido. There are other Beaches along the Lake Victoria Shoreline but I won't pass over mentioning the Golf Course, probably the Biggest in UG. The National Meteorological Centre is also found here, but according to the permanent Weather Forecast, there will always be rainy followed by sunny Days and then scattered Showers! Just find a Way to deal with every Replacement! Ebbs has amazing Weather maybe because of Lake Vic [Biggest Lake in Africa, 2nd Biggest on Earth after Russia's Caspian Sea] being East and South of it. When Moisture drips slowly and steadily in a well controlled, rhythmic Pattern, you just have to admit: GODisgreat! "Nkusibula nga siyagala na kusibula, mulongo wange... [Translated from Luganda: I say farewell to you when I do not want to say farewell, my twin...]"

Arua Channel

Ugandan Food
Everyone has a Favourite Dish but below are some Foods that might stun your Taste Buds from Busia to Kasese, Arua to Kalangala Islands...

West Nile: Enyasa [Cassava, Millet or Sorghum Flour], Ombangulu [mashed Whiteants], Anyoya [boiled Beans and Maize sometimes mixed with fried Onions or any other Ingredients like Greens], Mukati [mashed Maize cooked in Banana Leaves], Dodo [Amaranth Greens], Goatmeat, Angara [salty Fish]...
Acholi: Odi [Groundnut Paste] in Soup...
Lango: Fish...
Teso: Amukeke [Sundried Sweet Potato] Porridge, Malwa [Millet Beer]...
Bugisu: Malewa [Bamboo], Chapati...
Busoga: Emboli [Boiled Sweet Potatoes], Fish [Tilapia], Namungodi [Rice Mandazi], Nsenene [Grasshoppers], Tamarind Juice, Sukaligulu [Molasses]...
Buganda: Rollex [Rolled Eggs in Chapati and fried with Tomatoes, Onions, Cabbages or any other Ingredients], Luwombo [Food like Chicken cooked inside Banana Leaves], Katogo [Cassava and Beans cooked together], Posho [Maize Flour], Pork, Fish [Nile Perch]...
Ankole: Matoke [Boiled or mashed Bananas] and Beef or Byenda [Offals, Intestines], Eshabwe [Ghee or Cheese], Bushera [Millet Porridge]... 
Kigezi: Irish Potatoes, (O)muramba [Beer made from roasted and fermented sorghum]...
Bunyoro: Rice and Muchomo [roasted Meat], Cassava, Pineapple Juice...
Karamoja: Beef...
Indian/ Asian: Chapati, Beans with Curry, young sugared Maize, Pilipili...
British/ European: Sausage, Bread and Butter, Pizza... 

O(m)ba-ngulu [Tasty Lugbara Whiteant Luwombo/ Pizza]

Onya [Whiteants] are picked at night when they come near bright light from an anthill. They can be fried and eaten as a snack or dried and used later as sauce. Onya is a delicacy people enjoy and earn from when it’s the season like around April and May. To make o(m)ba-ngulu, the wings are removed by winnowing, the white ants washed, then pounded into a mash. Salt, onions and spices can be put in to make it tastier. This is according to one’s preference. After pounding, it’s wrapped into banana leaves and tied using banana fibres. It is then placed in a saucepan that has water with ofuta (soda ash) in it and put on fire. This cooks for a very long time. When ready, it is now obangulu, removed from the banana leaves, placed onto a plate and served or can be added to g-nut paste and served as sauce eaten with diri (inya asa) - cassava flour mixed with sorghum flour...

Fish in West Nile
Fish in Lugbara language is i'bi (also e'bi). Most rivers in West Nile are small, but the biggest of them all is of course the magnificent Nile. Nzikinziki (pronounced njikinjiki) is a Ma'di dish made from fish whose bones have been removed, mashed and cooked in groundnut paste. It is a delicacy in Adjumani. Some of the fish caught in the subregion's water bodies include:

Aboku, type of fish, also called abok... Angara, botanically called Alestes Baremose, very salty and bony fish caught in the Mobutu Albert Nile...
Aniaka, mudfish
Ase, type of fish...
Mputa, Nile Perch is a huge type of fish found in Lake Victoria...
Nang Nang, also called onang-nang or ongala to be exact, very small in size and sold by the roadside, ready-to-eat, crunchy snack...
Ngenge, Tilapia in English is a freshwater fish hatched in inland ponds or brought from other parts of Uganda like Lake Victoria...
Ngenjia, small silverfish...
Oi, very fleshy choice with snake-like scales...
Semutundu, type of fish...

Lugbara Translate (2019) by Aiko

How To Make Cassava Flour like a Lugbara
Cassava tubers are harvested from underground and skinned preferably in the morning before being left in the sun for the remainder of the day. Then they are laid in a stack to ferment for three days under the cover of sacks or any other cloth material. When they soften, they are washed, broken into smaller pieces and sundried for some days. The small hardened pieces are then ground in a machine [or using a mortar, pestle and sieve] to produce cassava flour just like that. The Madi meanwhile cut the cassava tuber into small chunks immediately after peeling off the skin and leave to dry; this ensures that the flour is very tasty. Cassava flour tastes worse especially when it ferments to black or orange parts during the making...

The freshly budded maroonish green leaves on the top of the plant can also be used as pandu (cassava leaf soup) as the Congolese call it...

To make eye-popping white cassava flour instead of the common golden or khaki brown one, freshly-dug cassava must be placed in a drum of water for half a week. The skin is easier to peel off by hand afterwards. Then the soft fermented cassava is left to dry...

The unwanted remainder of Enyasa or even fresh cassava starch can be mixed with water then poured onto ash to create golfball-size compacts that can be used in a stove as an alternative for charcoal after drying the grey balls in the sun...

Planting cassava requires chopping harvested stems into small pieces [about 15 centimetres or longer] that you pair inside small pits. The cycle continues...

Special Diet
Congolese eat Caterpillars like the big black ones found on some Trees. Among Lugbara Clans, Terego People are famous for eating Rats. My Dad hired one of them to prune the Teak Trees on his Land and after we caught Omba-omba Rats, the Teregian requested me to clean them up for him. My Mama taught me how to slaughter Chicken, but now I had to learn how to slaughter Rats by myself. I roasted the Rats on a Fire, then slit them open at the Bottom from the Mouth to the Tail. All the Internals are removed. The Meat looked so enticing that I wanted to ask the Pruner-man to cut me a Piece but hesitated...

Aiko (Cartoonist) Says The Darndest Things [Comedy]
Ignorance is not Bliss, but it can also be Comedy! Ask Kids or even Adults any Question and they might reply with some wild, crazy and hilarious Reasoning that's almost true; it's their own personal Worldview anyway! This is what the Next Session is about. The Descriptions below are not intended to be verified Facts but simply my playful Imagination and mad Musing about how some Places in United Gombololas (UG) got their Names; this is meant to be just for Laughs:
Abim: There was a historical Beam of Wood or Light that struck People's Attention...
Agago: These Ugandans fancy Goggles so much that they had to name their District a Goggle (one Side of the Eyewear) or they just enjoy looking with Eyes wide open and gargling Drinks...
Amudat: Sounds like Jamaican Patois meaning "I move that"...
Apac: You can find Apache Helicopters plus Indians in this Place...
Bombo: The Word "Bomboclat" originated from here...
Butambala: People are always waving Handkerchiefs...
Fort Portal: The Rwenzori Mountain is too high a Western Wall; Sir Gerald Portal chose his Fort wisely...
Gulu: They say this is "Heaven", I guess that's why Kanye and Kim Kardashian West booked a whole Lodge there in 2018; JESUS is King...
Jinja: People in Glass Houses also throw Stones in a Game of Throwns, hardhitting Reason why Windows break in this Town. Have you ever tried stoning a Jigga...
Kaberamaido: These Teso People stay with Maido [Translated from Bantu: Groundnuts]...
Kampala: Rather vulgar Rebus as in this is the Cum Parlour Capital City of Uganda, Melting Pot for Millions of Lovers as well as pseudo ones (from Speke Road to Luwum Street to Kimombasa). By the Way, Ice Cream is natural and healthy but has limits...
Kamuli: This Place is like a Flower because Natives always plant Flowers...
Kasese: The short Africans here drank so much local Brew that they started calling their Homeland an Alcohol...
Kayunga: Things are always being tied...
Kiryandongo: Sounds like a Mwooyo Town; the Singer of the Album with the same Name is called (Maurice) Kirya and he plays Ndongo [Translated from Bantu: Music]...
Kisoro: The Sorrow was little like Kiwani...
Kitgum: Someone put chewing Gum (Gam not Goom) on their Kit...
Kumi: This Place is called "10" because Ben 10 comes from there...
Kotido: Yeah, they came out through the Court Door happily...
Kween: The Queen of England bought this District and it was named after her...
Lira: Ugandans in this Land use a lot of Italian Currency and Forex...
Madi: Mud like Soil mixed with Water [Maadi in Lusoga], sounds funny when you say Mud and Waste Nile Diocese of the Church of Uganda...
Manafwa: I did not want to write about this but it relates to loose or promiscuously generous Women (especially Prostitutes), more like private Food distributed carelessly...
Masaka: There was a Massacre in this Place...
Moyo: The Spirit of West Nile...
Mukono: Hand of GOD...
Muni: A university was built here by Government surrounded by Gardens of juicy red Spices called Muni like big, round Red Hot Chili Peppers...
Najjanankumbi: The First Person who settled there went with a Hoe...
Nakaseke: Kaseke refers to a Straw, People here are fond of drinking through Straws...
Napak: The Ugandanised Spelling for National Association of People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) or let us say Kindergarten...
Nkokonjeru: Either white Cocks are sacrificed or eaten a lot in this Place...
Ntungamo: Sew or stitch me more! The Goodlyfe Crew (Radio & Weasel) sang "Ntunga" plus "Neera" and M7 used the Latter for his Re-Election Campaigns because he comes from here...
Onduparaka: So many Sorghum Stems were seen in this Place, the Lugbara just had to fittingly name it "Sorghum-Stem"...
Oyam: Near the Kyoga Nile River, People love Yam; as the Nigerians would say: Yam-oh! Oh Yam, what a Tuber! It's like a Poetry recital...
Pader: There is a German Bundesliga Team called Paderborn. The Club Founders and their Town might have Links with Pader...
Pakwach: The entire Murchison Falls (Kabalega) National Park can be watched from here. Truth or dare...
Rhino Camp: Where Rhinos go for camping and Bonfires...
Rubirizi: The original Rib Town; Adam would have loved to sleep here and wake up to find Eve...
Soroti: When you are feeling depressed, dejected, rejected, down and almost out like a Failure, just drink Sorrow Tea instead of Malwa nor something corrosive like Waragi...
West Nile: Waste used to be dumped here West of the Nile...
Zombo: The Natives can shoot Zom-Bees [or Witches] with a Bow and Arrows...