Visit to Gulu

Monday and Tuesday I visited Gulu and Pabbo IDP Camp about 25 km north of Gulu. I went there a bit out of the extraordinary, as I was invited to Gulu by Willy Akena from the Diocese of Northern Uganda to help him promote news from their work - online.

It was my first time to Gulu - the second-largest town in Uganda. From the distance you can't help noticing the signs of conflict; the signposts alerting food security, land mine warnings or various NGO activities. For me the recent development of the Peace Talks in Juba has meant that I can drive the direct route from Arua to Gulu, just about 4½ hours on relatively good tarmac. As you see on the map the area I usually work in - West Nile and Adjumani - surrounds Gulu to the West. Due to the LRA I have driven Kampala - Masindi - Paraa - Pakwach - Arua. Now I can drive Arua - Pakwach - Karuma - Gulu/Kampala.

You find the Diocese of Northern Uganda's weblog is here - from where you can follow the news straight from Gulu and the surrounding camps. Give it some time to find its' own style and shape.

For me the visit was very educational - it always help to go and see for yourself.

Click on the map to enlarge.