. Located in Olyaka village, Namasale Sub County, the spot is marked by the “Uganda Tribes” Monument, which bears the names of all 56 ethnic tribes of Uganda, including recognized foreigners living in the country.
Nestled between Lake Kyoga and Lake Kwania in Northern Uganda, Amolatar District holds a unique geographical significance—it is home to the Center of Uganda. Located in Olyaka village, Namasale Sub County, the spot is marked by the “Uganda Tribes” Monument, which bears the names of all 56 ethnic tribes of Uganda, including recognized foreigners living in the country.
Surrounding the monument are 56 equidistant poles, each symbolizing a tribe, connected in harmony, both symbolically and spatially. While the landmark holds deep national and cultural importance, local leaders say it remains largely underdeveloped and underpublicized. “There are some structures there, but they are not adequate enough,” said Geoffrey Ocen, the Amolatar District Chairperson.
“We want to strongly urge the government to treat this central site of Uganda with the importance it deserves.” Ocen cited land ownership as a key barrier to development. The site currently sits on land registered under the Diocese of Lango, but Ocen noted that discussions are ongoing to formalize a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to pave the way for government investment.
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He added that the district has already completed 90% of its responsibilities, including submitting and securing Cabinet approval for a development plan. All that remains, he said, is for the government to invest.
The local leadership’s broader development vision includes constructing an airfield to open up the area to tourists. This proposal is incorporated in the National Development Plan and has backing from the National Planning Authority and Cabinet.
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“If that airfield was actualized, it would open up transport by road, lake, and air,” Ocen added. “That would propel us to another level.” Beyond its geographic and cultural weight, the monument—often referred to as an “Altar”—holds deep spiritual meaning.
Each year, prayer groups from across Uganda gather at the site to intercede for the nation, especially during September, which often coincides with the Day of Atonement on the Hebrew calendar.
“After a long time of intercession, God revealed to prayer groups that Uganda is going to be the light of the world,” said Raphael Eyen, the site's focal point person. “So the people of Uganda must put Him at the center of their hearts.”
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He described the annual event as a reconciliatory gathering aimed at promoting unity among tribes and repentance for national sins.
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“It doesn’t fall strictly on the 9th of October,” Eyen added. “It usually falls around September or early October, according to the Hebrew calendar.” Officials from the Ministry of Tourism have already visited the site to assess its development potential.
However, Basil Ajer, Director of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, says the government is working within resource constraints.
“We have profiled over 600 sites countrywide, and Parliament has gazetted 309 historical sites and monuments,” Ajer said. “You cannot develop all of them at once.”
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Among the other notable sites awaiting development are the Barlonyo Massacre Site, Fort Patiko, Ibuje Rock, and Aruu Falls. While some, like Barlonyo and Fort Patiko, are already accessible, many others remain in need of infrastructure and publicity.
Still, for Amolatar, the dream is alive. “If this place becomes a tourism center,” Eyen said, “Amolatar won’t remain a district—it will be a city.”
