Irish ambassador to Uganda hails Karamoja's beauty

TOURISM

The Irish Ambassador to Uganda, William Carlos has hailed the beauty of Karamoja region with a call on government to tap into its tourism potential.

Carlos who has been in Karamoja on several occasions says government can package Karamoja and promote it as top tourist destination in the country.

"It is one of the most beautiful places in the country. It has very beautiful people with a beautiful culture and natural beauty," Carlos noted.

He said this on Thursday during a reception at his residence in Kololo to recognize the Government of Uganda's achievement towards building a National Social Protection System.

Ambassador of Ireland to Uganda Carlos Williams (left) talks to National Council for Older Persons Representative John Orach (right) and another guest at the function

 
Karamoja's climate is dry but defined by beautiful scenery, sun set over the mountain peaks and amazingly starry nights.

Its people are predominantly pastoralists, which they do with pride. They love wearing colourful blankets, stripped shawls, piercing and wearing beads, which make them unique from the rest of the tribes.

The people also have unique dances and songs.

"Ugandans need to visit Karamoja and if they appreciate it, they will be able to sell it to the rest of the world," Carlos says.

 
Although the region remains one of the least developed areas and one with few tourism ventures, it has an enormous potential.

Some of the spectacular attractions in Karamoja include, Kidepo Valley National Park, where you will find lions, zebra, waterbuck and other species found in no other Ugandan park such as cheetah and wild dogs.

Kidepo is also home to almost all of the animal species present in the Uganda National Parks system, including lion, giraffe, elephant, buffalo, leopard, ostrich and cheetah.

Economist Fred Muhumuza presenting a paper on Social Protection, before members of the Social Protection Forum , at the Ambassador's residence in Kololo

 
Though the region was neglected for long, government has embarked on opening up Karamoja to the rest of the country and is currently constructing tarmac roads linking it to Kampala.

Karamoja is made up of seven districts, Nakapiripirit, Moroto, Kaabong, Kotido, Amudat, Napak,and Abim.