Amolatar deputy RDC launches drive to boost tourism at uganda’s geographic centre

17 May 2026, 11:08 am

By Sarah Ejang

Residents of Abako and congregants of Olyaka St. Paul Church of Uganda were swept up in waves of excitement and optimism on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The atmosphere turned electric as Amolatar Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Obonyo Magwar, revealed a visionary plan to leverage their strategic geographic location at the exact Centre of Uganda to spark a local economic revolution through international tourism.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy RDC Magwar affirmed that the area is prime ground for tailored tourist activities.

He noted that transforming the site into a tourism hub is a direct recipe for generating sustainable wealth across the entire Community.

In a revelation that surprised many attendees, Magwar highlighted the presence of local monkey populations within the Centre of Uganda.

He described monkeys as beautiful, friendly animals that can be integrated into the visitor experience.

Consistent food supplies and gentle human interaction will make them a core attraction.

Drawing inspiration from London’s world-famous Trafalgar Square, where millions of tourists gather to feed birds, Magwar urged locals to rear pigeons and guinea fowls.

He advised the community to grow wild cereals, grains, and specific tree species to attract diverse birds and butterfly settlements.

“The Centre of Uganda boasts four acres of already leased land and over ten acres available for expansion,” Magwar noted.

“This is more than enough space to accommodate the purposeful domestication of birds and animals for tourism.”

He further pointed out that the region’s fertile soils, abundant water supply, and the proximity of fresh, tasty fish from Lake Kyoga provide a perfect foundation.

He envisioned fields of beautiful flowers alongside indigenous and oriental medicinal trees that showcase the true richness of the Pearl of Africa.

During the event, the Deputy RDC witnessed vibrant rehearsals by a local traditional dance troupe.

He engaged the performers in a strategic discussion, emphasizing that organized, registered entertainment groups can tap into immense income streams.

“Consider your dance group as a business and a source of income for wealth creation, in the same way a boda boda rider services and treasures their motorcycle.”

Obenyo Magwar, Deputy RDC to back his words with action, Magwar provided immediate financial support to help the troupe purchase authentic traditional attire. He pledged further administrative assistance, promising to guide them through the process of registering their group at the district level while challenging them to intensify their savings and credit activities.

The community highly commended the Deputy RDC for his sacrificial grassroots reach and his deep commitment to lifting local families out of the shackles of poverty.

The event also highlighted a strong bedrock of historical philanthropy and state-church partnership.

Dan Epok, Chairman of the Oliaka St. Paul Planning Committee, shared the history of the church land.

The acreage was originally donated in the 1970s by his late father, Ebong Odongo, as an act of Christian philanthropy.

Epok assured the congregation that the land title is safely held by the Bishop of Lango Diocese, who remains highly supportive of development plans at the Centre.

The Chairman reaffirmed that the church loves the government and will continue to work hand-in-hand with state authorities to bring development to the area.

Key local leaders actively driving the planning activities alongside the youth and the wider Abako community include the Chair of Laity, Tuma Tommy, and the Lay Reader, Ogwal James Hannington.

With leadership, land, and natural beauty aligning, Amolatar is positioning itself to welcome the world.