Population: 56,900
Divisions: Agoro,Kitgum,Kitgum Matidi, Akilok,Orom,Titim.
Neighbouring Districts: Gulu, Pader, Lira.
Distance from Kampala: 331km
Distance to Airport: Entebbe International Airport 250km
Attractions :Wil Polo Memorial Site, Piamol Caves, Agor, Hill Climbing, Lotutur, Lelekan Bird Sanctuary.
The most northerly of Uganda’s major towns, Kitgum is located 108km northeast of Gulu and it’s bordered by Padibe to the north, Mucwini to the northeast, Kitgum Matidi to the east, Acholibur to the south and Pajimu to the west. The town is located approximately 452 kilometers by road, northeast of Gulu.
Transport
Buses like Felistar travel from Kitgum to Kampala at a fee of Ush30, 000, Kitgum to Lira charges Ush15, 000 while Kitgum to Gulu is Ush12, 000.
Transport fares along various routes in Kitgum district also available. Fares range from Ush2, 000 to Ush5, 000 depending on the route.
Where to stay/eat in Kitgum
Fugley’s, +256(0)757 760760, Bomah, Uhuru Drive, +256(0)471 439388, Apoka Lodge, +256(0)414 251182, Hotel Veron +256(0)772 919543, Northern Rock, +256(0)071 644490, JC Inn, Nyeko Rd +256(0)721 324725
Tourist Attractions
Lelekan Bird Sanctuary
Lelekan bird sanctuary is located in the eastern part of the district in Chua County, bordering Kotido district. The bird sanctuary is situated near Kidepo Valley National Park which offers opportunity for game viewing in the park by tourists to Kitgum.
Lotutur
This is located about 45 kilometers north of Kitgum town, on the escarpment of the Lotutur hills. The Lotutur attraction comprises a water fall on a tributary of River Aringa, hill climbing and beautiful scenery of the Aringa and Nyimur river valleys.
Agor
Agor is located about 50 kilometers north of Kitgum town and east of the Lotutur attraction. Agor lies on the slopes of the Agor hills overlooking the Aringa river valley. Key potential activities for exploitation when developed include hill climbing, scenery viewing and bird watching.
Hill climbing
The hills found in Pader district include Kalongo, Amyel, Paimol and Lapono. The hills are fairly flat topped and provide opportunity for camping and development of other tourism accommodation infrastructure. Apart from Kalongo, which already has limited private accommodation for church missionary community, the other hills are undeveloped. Kalongo hill is also popular for bird viewing.
Paimol caves
The caves are found in the Paimol hills in Pader district. Like the Guruguru caves in Gulu, the caves are said to have been used t as safe haven during the Lamogi rebellion against the British protectorate. The Paimol caves are an opportunity to diversify tourism products in northern Uganda when developed.
Cultural Performances and Antiquities
The Abora dance and antiquities have not yet been exploited for tourism purposes. Joint plans between Gulu, Kitgum and Pader district local authorities would enhance tapping of benefits from cultural performances and antiquities.
Wil Polo memorial site
This is a memorial site of the first catechists in northern Uganda called Jildo Erwa and Daudi Okello. The two were executed on orders of the Lamogi chiefs for their Christian belief.
Crafts and souvenirs
Like for Gulu and Kitgum, potential exists for developing the crafts and souvenir industry in Pader district. There are unique wood species in the area whose sustainable exploitation coupled with training in making of modern crafts and souvenirs could promote tourism aspects.