Gulu, Uganda is a newly commissioned city, though development has been rapid in this area over the past decade. Use our guide to explore some of the best things to do in Gulu city and the surrounding area.

Gulu, and much of the northern region of Uganda, have a dark past. The events have had a lasting impact on the people, culture, environment, and politics among other things.

Starting with the British rule in the 18th and 19th centuries, people from northern Uganda were used as soldiers and police. Many of these soldiers were sent to fight during both World War 1 and 2. The area was deprived of other opportunities leading to the area becoming less developed compared to the rest of the country.

After Uganda’s independence in 1962, the situation did not improve in the region. Between the influx of refugees and political changes and conflict, there was also a two-decade-long war in the region.

Gulu is, unfortunately, well known because of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and their leader Joseph Kony. The LRA began in 1989 as a religious movement to overthrow the government before turning into a violent rebel group that became notorious for abducting and utilizing child soldiers.

Tens of thousands of children from the region began fleeing to Gulu each night for safety. In 1996, the Ugandan government also ordered all civilians in northern Uganda into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps until their closure in 2009. People have since returned to their homes and rebuilt their lives in the post-conflict area.

Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu, Uganda.

Is Gulu, Uganda Safe? Since the departure of the LRA, Gulu is calm and stable. In fact, we feel Gulu may be one of the safest cities in Uganda.

Does crime still happen? Yes. Much of the crime can be prevented through simple common sense actions.

Keep a watchful eye on your bag while traveling or sitting at a restaurant. Put your phones and valuables away while dining out, walking, and while on boda bodas. These two things can help you to avoid petty thieves and snatch and grabs.

To rent a car in Gulu for self-drive trip or with a driver simply get in touch with us on WhatsApp, call the helpline at +256-751244091 or by sending an email to info@pixycarhire.com.