Moyo- Most people are woken up early by a co*ck crowing. Some use the crowing of the co*ck to time themselves. This is a strong identity of Moyo District. The co*ck (Aulogo) was chosen by the ancestors as the best time keeper.
Moyo, characterised by beautiful undulating contours of rocks with green grass and trees, is one of the oldest districts in the West Nile which in recent years stagnated in isolation as the second Sudanese civil war raged.
The insurgency by the Lord’s Resistance Army made the direct road south to the national capital, Kampala, perilous. Agriculture, which forms the backbone of the district’s economy, was paralysed.
The district has hosted a large number of South Sudanese refugees who fled fighting in their country.
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The population is predominantly rural, and totalled to 202,291 people as per the 2002 population and housing census; 27,984 people are refugees who have crossed to the district from South Sudan.
Moyo District is an antique in the history of Uganda. Formerly known as Madi District, it is famous for the Fort at Dufile built by Emin Pasha on the banks of River Nile near Nimule, in the quest to stop slavery.
Background: Moyo District is located in the Northwestern part, commonly known as the West Nile region of Uganda. The district is at the border of the Republic of South Sudan to the northern, Adjumani District lies across the River Nile forming its southern and eastern border, and Yumbe District to the west. The coordinates of the district are 03º 39N, 31º 43E (Latitude: 3.6500; Longitude: 31.7190). The district covers an area of 2,059 Km², of which 192Km² is rivers and swamps, 172Km² is gazette forest and game reserves. The district comprises two counties of West Moyo and Obongi, and 7 sub-counties, a Town Council, 41 parishes and 211 villages.
Population: 202,291
Number of refugees: 27,984
Social centres: It has Monkey city/Pent House Inn (pictured), Moyo Multipurpose Training Centre, Rome Suites, Aribo M&M Hotel and Amatura Hotel.
Climate, geology, soils and topography: Moyo experiences both rainy and dry season within the year. The dry season extends from late November to March. Strong winds, which originate in the Satelu - Sudanic zone of Sudan, are a common phenomenon throughout this period. Rainfall received is about 1267mm yearly. Between April and November, rainfall is moderate but sometimes meager in the month of May and June. Major rainfall peaks occur between August and early November (long rainy season) and the month of April and May (short rainy season).
There are three main categories of geological formations in Moyo District. These include gneiss, alluvial deposits and schists, quartzite and marble. Alluvial deposits and moraines distinguish West Moyo and Obongi. Schists, quartzite and marble occur in the mountains surrounding Metu. The district’s soils are moderately fertile. Rolling hills are found in Metu Sub-county and along the Nile River, rising at 900m above sea level to a series of hills and peaks. Mountain Otze is the highest peak (1500m above sea level).
Economic activities: Agricultural production is handled by the nuclear family and is dominated by smallholder production. Livestock husbandry complements subsistence farming. There is also vibrant trade among locals and the neighbours in South Sudan. The financial institutions are Moyo SACCO, Blue employee UNATU SACCO, Mt Otze Sacco VALEE SACCO and only one bank (Stanbic).
Movers and shakers of Moyo
Dr Christine Ondoa: The ex-health minister pushed for major infrastructure upgrade under a World Bank funded programme. She is currently presidential adviser on health and an advocate for better health services.
Raphael Baku: The Former Deputy IGG has been working hard to ensure that an IGG office is opened in Moyo. This was to ease the fight on corruption in Moyo and Adjumani districts.
Hassan Kaps Fungraoo: Is the Obongi county MP. The tough talking politician was instrumental in fighting for a ferry that links Obongi to Adjumani district. He initiated Obongi community centre.
Fred Lirri Imbadi: The founder of the Shs5b Moyo Sacco which is now one of the biggest microfinance institutions in the district, employing 26 staff and shaping the livelihood of its 7,211 members.
Moses Apiliga: The veteran politician and medical doctor who served as a minister under Obote II. Also served as Moyo West MP in the 8th Parliament and owns Trans-Nile Broadcasting Service, Moyo.
Jimmy Vukoni: The LC5 chairman who has been able to ensure that peace prevails between the people of Moyo and South Sudan. He says he wants to see a good road network and health service delivery in the district.
Anne Auru: She is the Woman MP. She worked as a district councillor in Moyo Town for eight years before joining Parliament. She secured scholarships for students pursuing diploma and certificate courses at various institutions in the country.
Ignatius Dragudu: A policeman who has traversed the villages in the district sensitising communities on dangers of crime. Through his works, some community members have been able to change their attitude.
Jimmy Opigo: The medical officer has been able to ensure that people receive medical attention with rigorous sensitisation in communities on diseases. He holds a masters degree in public health. Besides health, he is also an investor in Moyo Town
Fr Louis Ajusi: Is the Episcopal Vicar and parish priest of Moyo Parish and also the spiritual director of catholic charismatic renewal. He holds a Masters Degree in theology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education.
James Kotura: The CEFORD coordinator, is a senior advocate on civil matters, promoter of girl-child education and Functional Adult Literacy. He encouraged many women who had not attained primary education to do so.
Grandfield Oryono Omonda: He is the Chief Administrative Officer who is steering the district with proper accountability and making sure that services are delivered to the intended beneficiaries.
Michael Mali: Is the DEO who is ensuring that there is retention of pupils and teachers in primary and secondary school. Mali is encouraging responsibility of parents, teachers and leaners to improve education in the district.
Prof Christine Dranzoa: She chairs the Task force for Muni University. She is a passionate educationist, conservationist, promoter of girl child education and women’s empowerment.
Rev Canon Williams Pasi: Is the Archdeacon Madi and West Nile Diocese and also the former board member of Moyo General Hospital.
Philip Idro: He is a former director general of ISO who also served as Ugandan ambassador to China. Currently he is the Managing Director of Upland Rice Millers Company Limited and promotes farming by helping farmers improve skills to improve productivity.
Hilda Abio: She is board chairperson of Vale Sacco ensuring that people save for the future.
Grace Bayoa: Is an educationist, song writer and promoter of girl child education.
William Iwa Everesto: He is an agriculturalist and worked as assistant agricultural officer Moyo district local government from 1969-1987. He was the field officer in charge of young farmers of Uganda. He also worked as a deputy agriculture officer in charge of production Moyo in 1988-1993. He sits on the boards of several schools and institutions in Moyo.
Zakeo Eriku: Retired educationist, former deputy secretary in charge of primary section in UNEB.
Daniel Katulungu: He is the cultural leader and an adviser who is ensuring that the erosion of culture does not affect the Madi community.
Geofrey Vuchiri: He is the NUSAF II desk officer, and is currently acting deputy CAO.
Rev Sr Maureen Kojoa,the director of Moyo Babies Home. She currently looks after 58 children in this home. She has taken care of several other children who are now adults.
Max Madra: Is the Chief distributor of Nile breweries products whose business has employed several youth
Akuti Arapa: Is an agriculturalist and the chairman of Madi language board. He ensures that the cultural norms in the district are protected, especially the Madi language. He always translates President Museveni’s speech into the Madi language at public functions in the district.
Marchelo Drametu: Is the chairman of elders forum and the district service commission chairperson. He is the former Secretary of the Democratic Party.
Peter Iku Dollo: He was the longest serving LC5 chairman until 2011. He was Under Secretary in various ministries including the Justice ministry. He also served as the Academic Registrar of Uganda Management Institute.
Wilson Edema: Is the sports officer and is the managing director of Pawa star music crew, the team manager and coach of faith hope love football club.
Christopher Drandru: Is a trader in Moyo town who deals in second hand shoes and has contributed enormously to the tax and revenue for the town.
Tom Azza Aleru: Is the West Moyo MP and Proprietor of Nile High Secondary School and a hotel in Arua District. He distributed iron sheets for churches and mosques. He promotes economic transformation for women groups and sports for youths in the district.
Fr Grace Waigo: He is the brain behind the construction of Moyo multipurpose center and Youth centre in Adjumani. He also served as the director of the centre in 2008.
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