Amuria
Encyclopedia
Amuria is a town in Eastern Uganda
. It is the chief municipal, administrative and commercial center of Amuria District
, in the Teso sub-region
. The district is named after the town.
, the largest town in the sub-region. The coordinates of the town are:02 01 48N, 33 38 35E (Longitude:2.0300; Longitude:33.6430).
During the first decade of the 2000's, the population of the town has fluctuated from as low as 4,500 to as high as 30,000. There are several factors that have contributed to the rapid increase in the population of the town:
In mid 2007, the LRA ceased activity in Uganda and moved away to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
, but the Karamojong have continued with their cattle raids. It will take a new national census in 2012 to establish the true population figure for Amuria Municipality.
Eastern Region, Uganda
Eastern Region is a region of Uganda. It is divided into the following districts:...
. It is the chief municipal, administrative and commercial center of Amuria District
Amuria District
Amuria District is a district in Eastern Uganda. It is named after its 'chief town', Amuria, the location of the district headquarters.-Location:...
, in the Teso sub-region
Teso sub-region
Teso sub-region is a region in Uganda that consists of:* Amuria District* Bukedea District* Kaberamaido District* Katakwi District* Kumi District* Ngora District* Serere District* Soroti District...
. The district is named after the town.
Location
Amuria is located approximately 44 kilometres (27.3 mi), by road, north of SorotiSoroti
Soroti is the main municipal, commercial and administrative centre of Soroti District in Eastern Uganda, lying near Lake Kyoga. It is known for the rock formation near the town as well as a variety of Muslim mosques, Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras as well as several churches that meet in various...
, the largest town in the sub-region. The coordinates of the town are:02 01 48N, 33 38 35E (Longitude:2.0300; Longitude:33.6430).
Population
The population of Amuria Municipality was estimated at about 6,000 in 2006.During the first decade of the 2000's, the population of the town has fluctuated from as low as 4,500 to as high as 30,000. There are several factors that have contributed to the rapid increase in the population of the town:
- The activities of the Lord's Resistance ArmyLord's Resistance ArmyThe Lord's Resistance Army insurgency is an ongoing guerrilla campaign waged since 1987 by the Lord's Resistance Army rebel group, operating mainly in northern Uganda, but also in South Sudan and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo...
forced the population out of the villages into the town due to better security in urban areas. - The KaramojongKaramojongThe Karamojong or Karimojong, are an ethnic group of agro-pastoral herders living mainly in the north-east of Uganda. Their language is also known as Karamojong or Karimojong, and is part of the Nilo-Saharan language group.-History:...
attack the villages in Amuria DistrictAmuria DistrictAmuria District is a district in Eastern Uganda. It is named after its 'chief town', Amuria, the location of the district headquarters.-Location:...
to steal cattle and harm anyone who attempts to stop them. The villagers in the neighboring villages move closer to town to avoid the wrath of the cattle rustlers - The congregation of many people in IDPIDPIDP may refer to:* Identity Provider , the source for validating user identity in a federated identity system.* IDP Education, an educational organization based in Australia* Independence code for Independence, Missouri, United States...
camps, who are not related by blood and who are idle for the most part, leads to increased sexual activity, increased birth rates and a rapid expansion in the population.
In mid 2007, the LRA ceased activity in Uganda and moved away to the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a state located in Central Africa. It is the second largest country in Africa by area and the eleventh largest in the world...
, but the Karamojong have continued with their cattle raids. It will take a new national census in 2012 to establish the true population figure for Amuria Municipality.
Landmarks
- The headquarters of Amuria District AdministrationAmuria DistrictAmuria District is a district in Eastern Uganda. It is named after its 'chief town', Amuria, the location of the district headquarters.-Location:...
- St. Andrew's Church - A place of worship affiliated with the Church of UgandaChurch of UgandaThe Church of the Province of Uganda is a member church of the Anglican Communion. Currently there are 34 dioceses which make up the Church of Uganda, each headed by a bishop....
- The offices of Amuria Town Council
- Amuria Central Market - The largest source of fresh produce in the town