The government of Uganda through the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, has earmarked Shs800m to be injected into the infrastructural development of Aruu Falls in Pader District.
According to the State Minister of Tourism Wildlife and Antiquities, Martin Mugarra, the money will be used to develop and upgrade some of the much-needed infrastructure at the falls as funds trickle in.
Mugarra noted that the allocated funds will become operational in the upcoming financial year (2023/24).
He revealed that some facilities such as walkways, and guardrails, that are key to accessing the falls and comfortability of visitors will be prioritised.
“We have seen the issues of access and quality, I know it will not be enough but at least we will start from there. We will be having a meeting with the local leaders to see what we can do and improve because money will never be enough, but the little we have can push us somewhere.”
The announcement was made during the “Explore North” campaign championed by the Ministry with its Agencies like the Uganda Tourism Board, and Uganda Wildlife Authority, among others.
In the meeting with the Local leaders at Eden Park, local leaders in Pader district complained about the quality and development of the high-potential Aruu Falls, which remain underdeveloped.
The LCV Chairperson Pader District, Rtd Colonel Fearless Obwoya Oyat, said the Falls are of significant importance to Northern Uganda, however, the access road connecting to the falls is not in a perfect state which limits tourists.
“One of the problems we have is the status of our roads, and to make this place more effective in terms of tourism, I humbly request your ministry to get us a tarmac road from the main road (Gulu-Kitgum) connecting to Aruu Falls, if this road to the falls is connected with Gulu road, I believe that this place will attract many tourists who go to other places,” he said.
He added that the safety and security of tourists is the responsibility of the government hence requesting the ministry to build a walkway and guard rail.
Samuel Odonga Otto, the proprietor of Eden Camp Site which partly acts as a gateway to the Aruu Falls, also called on the government to assist private developers through public-private partnerships and tax exemptions if the sector is to develop.
The minister who was in the company of tourism influencers, and tour groups, among others, said with some funds allocated to the development of tourism sites, there’s a lot to develop at Aruu Falls, he noted the ministry will overtime keep improving the area till it gets the much-needed tourism facilities.
He noted that tourism is a government-led sector but it’s driven by the private sector pledging support to all people engaged in the tourism chain.
Aruu Falls
The magnificent falls with cascading streams of roaring waterfalls that create a natural ‘swimming pool’ at the bottom welcome you with a sound of water gushing between the rocks, giving a sense of breeze, calmness and tranquillity.
They are located 47 kilometres from Gulu City, deriving their name from the Luo word “Aruu,” meaning “woken up.”
The Falls are believed to have originated from Timu forest in Kaabong, and traverse through Agago district before reaching Pader district where it finally meets at a steep slope in Lupaya village, Angagura sub-county. They are believed to have attained their name from the clan of Pyailim.
At the falls, one can do some activities like; bird watching, nature photography, camping, nature walks, community walks, and swimming, among others.
