Kwania District to develop 11 sites ahead of 2027 tourism festival

Kwania District leaders have identified 11 tourism sites for development as part of efforts to boost local revenue, promote the district’s tourism potential and improve service delivery.

The initiative was announced ahead of the Rooftop Festival 2027, a tourism event scheduled to take place in Agwiciri, Alido Parish, Chawente Sub-county.

The festival is expected to attract tourists to several historical and natural attractions, including the former residence of traditional chiefs (Rwot) at Wipolo, where the new district headquarters is being constructed; the hiding place of Kabaka Mwanga during British colonial rule; and Agwiciri Hill, which offers views of the Lango, Acholi and Teso sub-regions, as well as parts of Bunyoro.

Last week, the Kwania District Tourism Coordination Committee held a mini tourism picnic at some of the identified sites and discussed development strategies with a tourism consultant.

Meary Murgato, Executive Director of Jimply Maery Kenya, who specialises in organising tourist attraction events, said Kwania District leaders had engaged her to provide guidance on developing the various tourism sites and attracting more visitors to the area.

Nicholas Akwang, the Principal Assistant Secretary and Acting Chairperson of the Kwania District Tourism Coordination Committee, said the initiative was intended to promote tourism in line with the government’s Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), which identifies tourism as one of the key sectors for generating national wealth.

Kwania Deputy Resident District Commissioner Abraham Aturu expressed excitement about the district’s tourism potential, noting that the area has several attractions that could be developed to promote tourism.

James Okol Otim, the Kwania District LC5 Vice Chairperson, said preparations for the festival were already underway, adding that the event was expected to attract large numbers of visitors in the coming years and boost the district’s tourism potential.

Kwania District Tourism Officer Fredrick Okullu said the district had identified approximately 11 tourism sites in Chawente, Atongtidi, Nambieso, Aduku Town Council and other areas.

He said the sites would be developed to position Kwania as a major tourism destination in the Lango sub-region, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond.