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Who Will Answer the Call to Revive Lake Opeta’s Tourism Potential?

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Who Will Answer the Call to Revive Lake Opeta’s Tourism Potential?
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Once a magnet for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, Lake Opeta lies largely forgotten. Straddling the borders of Katakwi, Kumi, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, and Bulambuli districts, the lake boasts a rich biodiversity, including some of Uganda’s rarest bird species, such as the Shoebill and the Fox’s Weaver.

In the tranquil waters of Lake Opeta, nestled in Opeta Parish, Magoro Sub-County, Joseph Ojatum, the deputy minister for tourism and documentation at the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), sat in a wooden canoe.

As sunlight danced on the lake’s surface, Ojatum painted a vision of hope: restoring Lake Opeta to its former status as a thriving eco-tourism destination.

Once a magnet for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, Lake Opeta lies largely forgotten. Straddling the borders of Katakwi, Kumi, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, and Bulambuli districts, the lake boasts a rich biodiversity, including some of Uganda’s rarest bird species, such as the Shoebill and the Fox’s Weaver.

These avian treasures once drew international tourists eager to experience the area’s pristine beauty and ecological significance.

Central to the lake’s tourism activity was the now-abandoned Opeta Community Conservation Development Association (LOCCODA).

At its peak, LOCCODA facilitated birding tours and boat cruises to nearby Lake Bisina, providing both cultural education and economic benefits to the local community.

“When this site was operational, visitors paid fees that directly benefited the community,” lamented Onyait David, a former LOCCODA member. “Reviving this place would not only rejuvenate tourism but also preserve Iteso culture for the younger generation.”

Today, the LOCCODA building stands as a symbol of lost potential. Its office, once bustling with activity, is now deserted, overtaken by bats.

The Shoebill are common on Lake Opeta

The community vehicle used for transporting tourists has vanished, and former association members are scattered.

Despite these setbacks, Onyait remains optimistic about the lake’s revival, believing it could transform the local economy by attracting tourists and creating jobs.

Magoro Sub-County Local Council Chairperson Richard Okello also sees untapped potential in Lake Opeta.

“This lake is home to unique birds and wildlife, including hippos, making it a prime tourist destination. Reviving it would boost local revenue, improve infrastructure, and enhance services like healthcare,” Okello said.

Lake Opeta’s significance goes beyond local tourism. It is a Ramsar site, designated as a wetland of international importance by the government through the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. However, according to Onyait, the lake has not welcomed any tourists in the past three years.

Ojatum underscored the lake’s global ecological value. “Uganda boasts over 1,000 bird species, and Lake Opeta hosts some of the rarest, like the Shoebill. This is a unique site that deserves immediate attention. Revitalizing LOCCODA would bring new life to this area, and we are eager to collaborate with the government to achieve this.”

The ICU has launched an initiative to rehabilitate key tourism sites, including Lake Opeta, Lake Bisina, and the Nyero Rock Paintings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stephen Ojachor, ICU’s deputy minister for information, emphasized the urgency of action.

“The state of tourism in the ICU region is dire. Our strategic plan prioritizes reviving these sites to foster sustainable development,” he said.

Beyond its birding opportunities, Lake Opeta holds cultural and economic significance for the Iteso community. Its waters provide livelihoods through communal fishing, and its shores are steeped in Iteso cultural heritage. For ICU leaders, the lake represents a unique intersection of nature, culture, and opportunity.

The paramount chief of the Iteso, Emorimor, recently highlighted the importance of restoring cultural and ecological landmarks, including initiation grounds, as part of a broader push to preserve heritage and stimulate development.

“Tourism is not just about attracting visitors. It’s about preserving our heritage and creating opportunities for future generations,” Ojachor said.

Lake Opeta remains a hidden gem waiting to reclaim its place on Uganda’s tourism map. The question is: who will answer the call to unlock its untapped potential?

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