A team from the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Industry recently met with Lira District authorities to discuss strategies for developing tourism opportunities in the district.

In separate meetings with the District Chairman Franco Ojur, ACAO George Adoko and Peace Opollo of the office of the RDC, the team said it was on an assessment mission on the safety and security of tourism and wildlife programmes in Lira, Gulu, Amuru, Kitgum and Oyam districts.

Ojur told the team that there were many tourism opportunities and potentials in Lango, which have not yet been economically exploited. He observed that such historical and cultural sites can greatly attract tourists and the proceeds would benefit the Lango community.

He cited some of them as the Barlonyo Massacre Site, Lango Cultural Centre, the Olum footprints of Ibuze hill, the Kangai historical site where Kabaka Mwanga and Omukama Kabalega where captured about 110 years ago and Ogur where Bua Atyeno, the overall commander of the Lango army once lived.

Ojur said a model camp can also be created in memory of the IDP camp life, a traditional beach constructed at the shores of Lake Kyoga and a local museum and wildlife centre created for collection of samples of traditional crafts, weapons, household items, huts, foodstuff and birds and animals.

He said all these would attract tourists and thus raise revenue for the districts. In addition, it will help the future generation whom modern technology will deny the chance to see traditional artefacts and totems.

The team asked the District Information Officer of Lira Joe Erem Oyie to compile a list of potential tourist attractions for inclusion in the Tourism and Wildlife Master Plan which the ministry is developing.

Lira has a comparative advantage over other districts in the northern region in terms of facilities, investment opportunities, communication, road network, its being the commercial hub and the generally cosmopolitan setting.