Pakwach District was created by the Government of Uganda in 2015 and became operational on July 1, 2017. It was carved out of Nebbi District and consists of 48 parishes and 583 village councils.
It is located in the northern part of Uganda, in the West Nile subregion, approximately 20 km east of Nebbi Town and about 131 km southeast of Arua by road.
Pakwach District is positioned at coordinates 02°27’43″N, 31°29’54″E. It covers a total area of 8.96 square miles (23.2 square kilometers) and sits at an elevation of 2,044 feet (623 meters). The district lies along the western bank of the Albert Nile.
The main town is Pakwach Town, which serves as the center for social, economic, and administrative activities.
Pakwach is also known for its historical and cultural importance. For example:
- Pakwach Town was once occupied by the Ottoman branch of the Khedivate of Egypt as part of the Hatt-i Ustuva (Equatoria) Vilayet.
- On November 3, 2013, Pakwach became the center of Uganda’s solar eclipse celebration. The event took place at a primary school 10 km from the town and was attended by local and international visitors, including professional observers, three kings, cabinet ministers, and the President of Uganda. It was a moment of appreciation for nature and a proud event for the people of Pakwach.
Another important feature is the Albert Nile Bridge, built in 1965. It connects to the West Nile and was originally designed for both trains and vehicles, although train service is no longer in use.
Languages commonly spoken in the district include Alur, Jonam, English, and Swahili. Fishing, craft making, and small-scale agriculture are the main economic activities in the area.
All these elements make Pakwach District a place worth visiting. If you plan to explore the area, consider the following points of interest for a richer experience:
- The Albert Nile Bridge
- Local craft shops
- Pakwach Central Market
- The northwestern corner of Murchison Falls National Park
- The Karuma–Olwiyo–Pakwach–Nebbi–Arua Road, which runs through the town from east to west
Pakwach District is a unique and charming place that adds to the beauty and meaning of Uganda as the “Pearl of Africa.”
