....The name given to the Karuma Falls arose from the absurd belief that Karuma, the agent or familiar of a certain great spirit, placed the stones that break the waters in the river, and, for so doing, was applauded by his master, who, to reward his services by an appropriate distinction, allowed the stones to be called Karuma.
From 'The Discover of the Source of the Nile' By John Hanning Speke
Karuma Falls is quite a landmark. In more than one sense. Historically Speke passed it on his way to locate the source of the Nile - and in his own colonial conservative style he naturally found the origin of the name absurd. However, it is one of the landmarks in Uganda which for some reason hasn't been renamed after a British royal or explorer (and then again renamed all over again by Idi Amin who in particular liked to pay tribute to other African dictators).
You find it about one hour from Gulu. The road crosses the massive waterfall where the sprays of white water run towards Sudan where the White Nile merges with the Blue Nile. The Karuma Falls has marked the boundary between safety and danger. Few years ago the LRA infamously made this part of the Kampala - Gulu highway insecure. Hiding in the bush, ambushing and attacking buses was one of their trademarks. Now as the peace talks in Juba are on everyone's lips, and in spite no concrete result has come out yet, the impact of the process can be felt. You have to slow down on this stretch, and I doubt people years back have enjoyed the view as much as I did that day. Took my time to get out the car and take a few shots, which doesn't comprise the overall beauty of this place.
Hey,
I was so excited to go through your blog, You had it all in Africa, in Uganda and especially in Northern Uganda!! Wherever you are, come again, this time further to Sudan through KITGUM
In Peace in place of WAR!
Ciao
Posted by: Peter Lukwiya | Thursday, 18 January 2007 at 02:13 AM