Overview

In recent years the district has stagnated in isolation as the Second Sudanese Civil War raged to the north and the insurgency of the Lord's Resistance Army made the direct road south to the national capital of Kampala perilous.

The district has hosted a large number of Southern Sudanese refugees who fled the fighting in their country. The 2005 Sudanese peace agreement and reduced activities of the LRA have raised hopes that Moyo District will again become the prosperous transit area for cross-border trade that it once was.

Location of District

Moyo District is bordered by South Sudan to the north and east, Adjumani District to the south, across the waters of the White Nile, and Yumbe District to the west. The South Sudanese state of Central Equatoria and Eastern Equatoria form the northern border, and a road runs from Moyo to the town of Kajo Keji in Central Equatoria. The district headquarters at Moyo, are located approximately 455 kilometres (283 mi), by road, northwest of Kampala, Uganda's capital and largest city. The coordinates of the district are:03 39N, 31 43E (Latitude:3.6500; Longitude:31.7190).

Economic Activities in the District

Like in most other Ugandan districts, agriculture forms the backbone of the district economy. Over 90% of the district population are involved in agricultural activities, with 86.6% of the population involved in some form of subsistence production. Most agricultural production is for household consumption. Some of the agricultural produce is sold, particularly maize, cassava and simsim. The main crops grown in the district include:

  • Sweet potatoes
  • Sorghum
  • Cassava
  • Simsim
  • Groundnuts
  • Millet
  • Maize
  • Peas
  • Beans

The Nile River is the main source of fish within the district. Some cattle, goats and chicken are kept, mostly on a subsistence level. Bee keeping, for honey production, is gaining popularity in the district.