Arua City

Background to Arua City

"Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Cities for Regional and Strategic Development"

The Uganda Vision 2040, the overarching 30-year national Vision, identified creation of Regional and Strategic Cities as one of the key drivers for the development agenda of the Country's long term aspirations and projections for the desired future.

This was in response to the imminent high urbanization growth rate the Country was experiencing. Consequently, government of Uganda created fifteen Regional and Strategic cities in the country to be implemented in a phased approach. Effective FY2020/21, the cities of Arua, Fort-Portal, Gulu, Jinja, Mbarara, Mbale and Masaka will become operational; in the FY2021/22, cities of Hoima, Soroti and Lira will take effect while Entebbe city will commence in the FY2022/23. The cities of Nakasongola, Moroto, Kabale and Wakiso will begin operations effective FY2023/24. Each city will be composed of two city divisions.

Seven cities namely Arua, Fort-Portal, Gulu, Jinja, Mbarara, Mbale and Masaka commence operations effective 1st July 2020.

WEST NILE INAUGURATES ARUA CITY 1 JULY 2020 WITH A SCIENTIFIC AND VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM ON 30 JUNE 2020 FROM 9:00PM-12:00AM.

“Work Towards the Common Goal of Achieving a Smart and Sustainable City Development”

The objectives for the Event are:

  1. To create a platform that enables the speakers to highlight the various historical milestones, opportunities and possibilities presented by Arua city.

  2. To set a pace for having conversations and dialogues that will promote the role of city in regional development.

  3. To start a culture of annual Inaugural ceremonies for the city.

PEOPLE OF ARUA – Keynote Speaker Professor Christin Dranzoa Vice Chancellor Muni University, Featured Speakers, Engineer Joel Aitaa, Bishop Emeritus Rite Rev, Dr. Joel Obetia and the Historical Speaker Ambassador Obitre Gama, Members of Parliament from West Nile led by Hon. Bernard Atiku have all confirmed attendance, Arua District Local Government authorities, Arua Municipal Authorities, Development partners, civil society organizations, Religious leaders, Cultural leaders, representatives of refugee’s, the business community, corporate, have all confirmed.

“If God wills that Arua city shapes into a clean, inclusive, socially integrating and hospitable place to all people, the journey we have started shall bind up the Government, our city leaders, private sector actors, Development Actors, Our business committee and I think the wounds caused by the cities birth pains will heal as we inspire hope and the commitment of holding together the candle of human aspirations that has been lit for a peaceful, just and sustainable city of Arua across the west Nile region and it shall never be in vain ” - remarked Moses Akuma Odims, the Coordinator of the Inaugural Committee.

Among the highlights of the four hours’ events included Prayers, opening inspirational Speeches, Historical account, Keynote address, featured presentations on thematic areas, Guest of Honors Congratulatory and wishes message, Cutting of the Cake, a countdown to midnight of the 1st of July as the City was ushered in.

The event was co-moderated by Mrs. Christine Mawadri a legendary Capital FM Radio presenter, Mrs. Mercy Munduru a Lawyer and Women Activist and Mr. Odims Moses Akuma the Inaugural Committee Coordinator 2020.