APAC DISTRICT TRAVEL INFORMATION

Apac covers an area of 6684 sq km and in terms of altitude it lies between 1,350 and 1,500 metres above sea level. The district lies in the northern part of Uganda, sharing borders with Pader to the immediate north, Gulu district to the north west, Kitgum in the north east, Masindi to the West, Lira to the East and Nakasongola in the South.

POPULATION
The population growth rate in the district over the period between 1991 to 2002 averaged 3.41 percent. By 1969, the district had a population of 225,413, 1980 (313,333), 1991 (454,504) and in 2002 .98 per cent of the population is Langi, making it more or less a homogenous society. The district was a part of the greater Lango district split into Apac and Lira districts in 1974. Luo is the main language spoken in the district.

INFRUSTRUCTURE

There are 623 kilometres of murram road, 98 of tarmac and 17 kilometres of railway. There is no established nautical mileage available and no airfield is available. Uganda Commercial Bank is the only bank serving the district. The majority of the population also uses the services of UCB and Centenary Rural development banks in Lira town.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

Agriculture is the major district’s economic activity and the main crops grown are tobacco, cotton, simsim, maize, beans, sunflower, potatoes, cassava, and ground nuts. District figures show that 80 percent of Apac’s residents are engaged in subsistence farming but 75 percent of the actual work is done mainly by women.

Livestock was once the dominant agricultural item until it was almost wiped out by rustling in the late 1980s.
Fishing is an upcoming occupation particularly on Lake Kwania, while fish farming is also on the rise in Kole County.

HEALTH

The district has 42 health centres divided into health centres one to five, in accordance with their capacity and capabilities. There are a total of 13 clinics, 10 maternity homes and three drug shops registered. At least, 24 percent of the total population live five kilometres away from a health unit – the distance given as reflecting a minimum good, health delivery.
POTENTIALS

Apac has one of the biggest numbers of cotton ginneries in the country, having been built in almost every sub county. These are mostly standing still and are being re privatized.

Author: Sandra Nans