Arua

Arua is a city in Northwestern Uganda.

Arua is a city in northwestern Uganda and the main commercial and administrative centre of the West Nile region. It is located near the borders with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan, making it an important centre for regional trade and transport. Arua serves as a major commercial hub for the surrounding districts. The city and its surrounding areas have a largely agricultural economy, with crops such as cassava, maize, beans, tobacco and other produce grown by local communities.

The city has a diverse population, including the Lugbara and other communities from the wider West Nile region. English is widely used, while Lugbara and other local languages are commonly spoken.

Arua's location near two international borders gives it an important role in cross-border commerce and regional transportation.

The area around Arua has long been inhabited by communities of the West Nile region. During the colonial period, Arua developed as an administrative centre and later became an important trading town.

Arua was significantly affected by political and military events in northern Uganda during the 20th century. Despite these challenges, the city continued to grow as the principal urban centre of the West Nile region.

Arua was granted city status in 2020, reflecting its growing population, infrastructure and economic importance.

Daily flights from Entebbe Airport exist with Eagle Air. there are buses from Kampala 10 hours. Pakwach, Gulu.

Taxi from Airport. Boda bodas, taxis, minibuses and private vehicles are commonly used. The central areas of the city can also be explored on foot.

Ajai Game Reserve, Albert Nile, Murchison Falls National Park.

• Rhino Camp is a small trading center about 62 km east from Arua on the west bank of the Albert Nile. It's the former site of Theodore Roosevelts safari camp and there are some abandoned facilities from that time around. Many people have turned up in this small town asking the locals the location of the Rhino Camp for accommodation! There is no commercial accommodation in this small town. There are remains of an old cotton ginnery that was established in the 1940s when Rhino Camp was a town bustling with activity and had a steam ship stop over station for the route Butiaba-Nimule. The Ajai Game Reserve is located 10 km to the south.

• Kenya Commercial Bank. Has a Mastercard/Visa Card ATM. (updated May 2015)
• Stanbic Bank. Has a Mastercard/Visa Card ATM. (updated Jun 2015)

There are many restaurants in Arua.

In Arua there are Oasis Inn, Heritage Park, Heritage Court and The White Castle Hotel. Outside Arua is the river camp operated by Bahr-el-Jebel Safaris.

• Hotel Pacific, Arua Avenue (near the Eagle Air office), ☏ +256 772667314. Has 28 single/double rooms. US$13/16. (updated Jun 2015)
• Olomide Guest House, Kuluva road. Check-in: 10AM, check-out: 9AM. Double room with outside bathroom. Breakfast. USh 19,000. (updated Jun 2015)

• Gulu — A major city and commercial centre in northern Uganda.
• Murchison Falls National Park — A major wildlife destination in northern Uganda.
• Nebbi — A town in the West Nile region.
• Democratic Republic of the Congo — Directly west of Arua.
• South Sudan — Directly north of the wider West Nile region.
• Kampala — Uganda's capital and main national transport hub.

Arua District, Uganda