MARACHA DISTRICT LEADERS TASK GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP TOURISM SITES

Miradua falls (Courtesy Photo)

By Martin Anguyo

Arua City

Leaders in Maracha District have renewed calls for the government and private investors to prioritize the development of Miradua Falls, a largely untapped tourism asset located in Ambidro Parish, Kijomoro Sub-county.

The leaders argue that, structured investment in the site could significantly transform the district’s economic outlook and strengthen local revenue generation.

Speaking on the matter, Stephen Obitre, the LC5 Chairperson of Maracha District, emphasized that, developing the site would not only enhance its visibility but also broaden the district’s local revenue base.

ʺEverybody these days go there, if we could attract an investor to be able to put that place better, we would really realize much more revenueʺ Obitre said.

Meanwhile, Dr Paul Onzubo, the District Health Officer for Maracha, highlighted the potential social impact of developing the falls.

He observed that, structured tourism growth could generate employment opportunities particularly for young people who currently face limited prospects in the formal job market.

ʺThey are redundant, dependent, the literacy rate is dropping, and they are not in employment and they are not in trainingsʺ Dr Onzubo noted.

Lawrence Adiga, one of the residents, believes that full development of Miradua Falls would open up markets for agricultural produce, handicrafts, and small businesses.

ʺThere is a nice tourist site which should be developed. I know when we get support from development partners, from the government, it will support the development in the districtʺ he appealed.

Tourism remains one of Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earners, contributing approximately 7–8% to the national Gross Domestic Product and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs directly and indirectly. Yet in West Nile, the sector remains largely underdeveloped despite its rich natural and cultural heritage.