By Stephen Enatu
In the serene waters of Lake Opeta, Joseph Ojatum, the deputy minister for tourism and documentation at the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), sat in a wooden canoe. As the lake shimmered under the afternoon sun, Ojatum shared a compelling vision: restoring Lake Opeta to its former glory as a thriving tourist destination.
Once a bustling hub for eco-tourism, Lake Opeta, located in Opeta Parish, Magoro Sub-County, now lies dormant. Situated along the borders of Katakwi, Kumi, Nabilatuk, Nakapiripirit, and Bulambuli districts, the lake is home to some of Uganda’s rarest bird species, including the iconic Shoebill and the Fox’s Weaver. These unique avian species once drew international visitors eager to experience the area’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
At the heart of the lake’s tourism activities was the now-defunct Opeta Community Conservation Development Association (LOCCODA), which served as a booking center for birding expeditions and boat cruises to Lake Bisina. The association once brought life to the community, but its office now stands in a state of neglect, overtaken by bats and their droppings.
“When the site was active, we had visitors who paid fees that benefited the community directly,” lamented Onyait David, a former member of LOCCODA. “Reviving this place would not only make the tourism industry vibrant but also help preserve Iteso culture and teach the younger generation.”
Today, the LOCCODA building tells a story of missed opportunities. The community vehicle, which was used to transport tourists, has disappeared, and the association’s members have scattered. Yet, Onyait remains optimistic, believing the site’s revival would transform the area by bringing back visitors and generating income for the local populace.
Richard Okello, the Local Council Three Chairperson of Magoro Sub-County, agrees. “Lake Opeta has unique birds that are endemic to Uganda and wildlife like hippos, making it a perfect tourist destination. Revitalizing this site would boost local revenue, improve roads, and enhance services like medical facilities,” he said.
Lake Opeta is no ordinary lake. Designated as a Ramsar site by the government through the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, it holds global ecological significance as a wetland of international importance. Yet, despite its status, the lake has not hosted any visitors in the past three years, according to Onyait.
Ojatum, sitting on the canoe addressing journalists, painted a vivid picture of the lake’s potential. “Uganda is home to over 1000 bird species and Lake Opeta is one that also has very unique and rare bird species. This is one of the few places in Uganda where you can see the Shoebill and other peculiar birds. As a cultural institution, we are eager to work with the government to develop this site and others like it. Revitalizing LOCCODA would breathe new life into this area.”
The ICU has launched an ambitious initiative to gazzate and rejuvenate tourism sites like Lake Opeta and other prominent sites, such as Lake Bisina and the Nyero Rock Paintings, a UNESCO heritage site. Stephen Ojachor, ICU’s deputy minister for information, emphasized the urgent need for action. “The state of tourism in the ICU region is wanting,” he said. “Our strategic plan focuses on reviving these sites to bring sustainable development to our communities.”
Lake Opeta offers more than birding opportunities. Its shores are rich in Iteso cultural heritage, and its waters support communal fishing, providing livelihoods for surrounding communities. For the ICU, the lake represents a unique intersection of nature and culture.
Recently, the Iteso paramount chief, Emorimor, also stressed the importance of revitalizing the region’s cultural and ecological sites, including initiation grounds. “Tourism is not just about attracting visitors. It’s about preserving our heritage and creating opportunities for the future,” Ojacor said.