Moroto is a district in northeastern Uganda. Like other Ugandan districts, it is named after its 'chief town', Moroto, where the district headquarters are located.

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Location of Moroto

Moroto is bordered to the north by Abim District, Kotido District and Kaabong District, by the Republic of Kenya to the east, by Nakapiripirit District to the south, and to the west by Katakwi District and Amuria District.

The district headquarters at Moroto, are located approximately 272 kilometres (169 mi), by road, northeast of Mbale.

The coordinates of district are:02 32N, 34 40E.

Overview of Moroto

Moroto is part of the larger Karamoja sub-region which consists of Kaabong District, Kotido District, Abim District, Moroto District and Nakapiripirit District.

Moroto is a plain covered by the Savannah grassland and some low lying rocky hills.

It comprises three counties: Bokora County, Matheniko County and Moroto Municipality.

It is inhabited by the Karimojong, a distinctive ethnic group that highly cherishes its traditions.

The district is a hub of mineral resources that are yet to be optimally exploited.

There are about fifty (50) different minerals and precious stones in the Karamoja region.

Of these, Moroto has gold, silver, copper, iron, titanium, manganese, niobium, tantalite and chrome.

Other proven minerals include marble, mica, garnets, limestone and asbestos.

Population of Moroto

The 2002 national census estimated the population of the district at 170,506.

The 2009 population of the district is estimated at 276,000. Using those statistics, it is estimated that the annual population growth rate in the district is 10.0%. S

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN MOROTO

The key tourist attractions of the district are given below1. Pian-Upe, Bokora and Matheniko Wildlife Reserves

The Reserves stretch into each other covering the north, north-west and western areas of Moroto district; bordering Kapchorwa, Mbale, Kumi, Katakwi, Lira and Kotido districts.

The areas of the Reserves are habitat to significant numbers of game species due to the various rivers and green river valleys.

The animals include buffalos, hynas, Dik-Dik, the Greater and Lesser Kudus. Others are: Topis, Zebras, Orex, Jackson Herte Beasts, Oribi and Ostriches.

Occasionally, Kenyan Zebras also wander from Kenya through the Pian-Upe Reserve.

The Reserves are traditionally popular for game drives.

2. Mount Moroto

Mount Moroto is found close to Moroto town. The ranges are over 3,000 meters high and are of international significance to mountain climbers.

The lower hills that lie adjacent to the mountain offer opportunity for hill hiking to the less experienced visitor.

Other attractions on Mount Moroto include the scenery of the hanging cliffs, unique montane vegetation, the Forest Reserve, primates and large numbers of Oribi and various bird species.

3. Community/Cultural tourism

The culture and way of life of the Karamajong, including the design of their homesteads (Manyatas) are an important attraction for visitors to the region.

The scanty traditional wear is also an important attraction even to domestic tourists to the region.

Aspects of community tourism require to be conceptualized clearly to develop a product out of the Karamajong culture and way of life.

The product could include the Magoth site, the place where the Matheniko, Bokora, Pian, Jie and Enyakwai separated.

4. Crafts and Souvenirs Industry

There are hardly any permanent wetlands for sustainable development of the crafts and souvenirs sector.

However, Karamajong stools and sticks are commonly on sale in Moroto town. The hard wood from the region is popular for making of crafts and souvenirs.

There were two crafts and souvenirs shops in Moroto town found during the survey, namely; Karamoja Women’s Crafts Shop and Bongoran Enterprises.

5. Hotel and Catering Industry

The district had 9 accommodation establishments, employing 75 people and a total capacity of 172 beds, at the time of the survey.

Mount Moroto Hotel was the most outstanding with a total capacity of 23 beds.

Economic activities of Moroto

Subsistence crop and livestock agriculture form the backbone of Moroto District's economic backbone. Crops raised include:

•Groundnuts

•Maize

•Cassava

•Beans

•Sorghum

Recently, commercial cultivation of the Jatropha plant has begun in the region.

The seed extract is used as a bio fuel to generate thermal electricity and to power motor engines for trucks and buses. Bee keeping is another activity that is gaining popularity.

Livestock kept includes:

•Cattle

•Goats

•Chicken

•Turkeys

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