To facilitate the development of Aruu Falls, the government has allocated sh800 million to an enchanting tourism site located in Angagura Sub County, Pader district. Martin Mugarra Bahinduuka the State Minister of Tourism announces the allocation, emphasizing that the funds will support various infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and promoting the site’s tourism potential.
In the upcoming financial year the allocated funds, scheduled to become operational will be utilized to construct essential facilities such as walkways, guardrails, and roads. These improvements are crucial for ensuring convenient access, visitor safety, and overall security within Aruu Falls. “The government’s commitment to bolstering the tourism industry and capitalizing on the revenue-generating prospects of domestic tourism.” Minister Mugarra’s announcement reflects.
Pader district leaders raised concerns and minister Martin magara addressed them regarding the current condition of Aruu Falls, acknowledging its significance as a promising revenue source through domestic tourism. During Explore North campaign, the minister is accompanied by a group of Ugandan tourists, singers, and travel enthusiasts visiting Aruu falls.
“Ugandans to actively promote domestic tourism by utilizing various communication channels to showcase their local attractions.” He urges. It is an amazing that Ugandans have become travel holidayers in their own country which have increased domestic tourism to 55.5% thus developing tourism sector.
Minister Mugarra also expressed concerns about potential deterrents to foreign tourist arrivals, such as recent legislation regarding homosexuality, highlighting the need to prioritize and stimulate domestic tourism.
What are challenges faced by tourism sector?
Councilor Dickson Ojok and Nancy Lawino are local stakeholders of the Pader district secretary for finance and community-based services responsible for tourism have raised the issue of inadequate financing hindering the support and development of the tourism sector.
They also emphasized the risks posed by precarious walkways and substandard accommodation facilities at Aruu Falls, underscoring the importance of financial support for necessary improvements.
The proprietor of Eden Camp Site Samuel Odonga Otto neighbouring Aruu Falls echoed the same sentiment, urging the government to provide assistance in developing tourism infrastructure across the country.
Minister martin magara visited port Patiko in Gulu district and Aruu falls during explore North campaign however local community leader Rwot Collins Atiko of the Patiko Clan urged the minister to support and promote local tourism by facilitating the improvement of road networks and accommodation facilities because they are renowned for their cultural and historical significance. They are both underdeveloped due to limited financial resources.
Since explore Uganda campaign begun, UTB has been influencing various figures and for explore north, they included singer Jose Chameleon, kickboxer Moses Golola, comedian teacher Mpamiire, and beauty pageant representatives pledged to leverage their platforms to raise awareness and promote domestic tourism throughout the country. Aruu falls is in Luo word which means’ woken up’ and these falls are 47km away from Gulu city.
Originating from the Timu forest in Kabong, the falls traverse Agago district before reaching Pader district and cascading down the steep slopes in Angagura. The site holds cultural significance in Acholi tradition and boasts a rich political history, with former President Idi Amin Dada having visited the falls frequently for political planning. Fort Patiko, also known as Baker’s Fort, was constructed by Samuel Baker in Patiko, Uganda, and completed on December 25, 1872.
Following Baker’s departure, the fort served as a residence for Emin Pasha and Charles Gordon during their respective tenures as Governors of the Equatorial Province. Today, ruins of the fort can be found in Ajulu parish, Patiko sub-county, Aswa County, Gulu district, serving as a poignant reminder of Uganda’s historical legacy.
