About Arua District – The Economic & Cultural Heart of West Nile
Arua District, situated in the West Nile sub-region of Northern Uganda, is a prominent and fast-developing district that plays a vital role in cross-border trade, regional service delivery, cultural heritage preservation, and humanitarian response. It shares international boundaries with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the west and national borders with Yumbe to the north, Adjumani to the northeast, Amuru to the east, Nebbi to the southeast, Zombo to the southwest, and Maracha to the northwest. Covering approximately 3,236 square kilometers, the district is administered from Arua Town, which lies about 520 kilometers northwest of Kampala and serves as the commercial and service nucleus of the region.
Originally comprising five counties—Arua Municipality, Ayivu, Vurra, Terego, and Madi-Okollo—Arua District has seen recent restructuring, with Terego and Madi-Okollo now operating as independent districts. Within its current jurisdiction, Arua consists of around 26 sub-counties and 2 township divisions, which are further organized into 119 to 164 parishes and over 1,000 villages, ensuring robust grassroots governance and community service delivery.
According to the 2014 national census, Arua District was home to approximately 785,000 people, up from 559,000 in 2002 and 368,000 in 1991, indicating consistent population growth over the decades. The district is predominantly inhabited by the Lugbara ethnic group, who are known for their vibrant traditions and strong cultural identity. Arua also hosts a significant number of South Sudanese refugees, positioning it as a key humanitarian center within Uganda.
The district’s economy is largely supported by subsistence and commercial agriculture. Farmers cultivate a variety of crops including groundnuts, millet, maize, cassava, simsim (sesame), tobacco, mangoes, and avocados. Livestock rearing, honey production, fish farming, and piggery are also widespread economic activities. The shift from traditional tobacco farming to honey and livestock enterprises is promoting more sustainable income sources. Due to its strategic border location, Arua has evolved into a major hub for cross-border trade, especially with DRC and South Sudan, making it one of the busiest economic gateways in Uganda’s north.
In the education sector, Arua stands out as a regional leader, with a well-established network of learning institutions. The district has over 437 schools, including 105 nursery schools, 261 primary schools, 60 secondary schools, 2 Business, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) schools, 3 tertiary institutions, and 3 teacher training colleges. These institutions serve thousands of learners from within the district and neighboring regions, offering education pathways from early childhood to professional and technical levels.
Significantly, the Kisubi Associated Writers Agency (KAWA), with support from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), has played a transformative role in promoting ICT integration and digital literacy across secondary schools in Arua. KAWA has established and continues to support vibrant ICT Clubs in key institutions, including Arua Secondary School, Arua Public Secondary School, Muni Girls Secondary School, Mvara Secondary School, and Ediofe Girls Secondary School. These clubs equip learners with practical digital skills in areas such as computer use, coding, graphics, robotics, and innovative problem-solving, empowering youth to participate meaningfully in Uganda’s growing digital economy and global knowledge society.
In addition, KAWA maintains a strong partnership with Muni University, the only public university in West Nile, which serves as a center for higher education, teacher training, ICT innovation, and research. The collaboration has enhanced digital education in the region and supports the government’s broader goal of integrating ICT into teaching and learning.
Arua also benefits from growing transport and power infrastructure, including the Vurra–Arua–Koboko–Oraba Road and the Arua–Gulu corridor, both of which are key trade and mobility routes. The West Nile Rural Electrification Project has brought electricity to more communities, improving quality of life and enabling small business growth. In healthcare, the district is served by Arua Regional Referral Hospital with a 272-bed capacity, and Kuluva Hospital, a 200-bed faith-based facility, both of which offer medical services to local residents and those from neighboring districts and countries.
In conclusion, Arua District is a shining example of resilience, innovation, and inclusive development in Northern Uganda. With a strong agricultural foundation, a growing educational and ICT sector, improved healthcare access, and enhanced regional trade, Arua is well-positioned to serve as a model district for integrated growth. Through strategic partnerships, such as those with KAWA, UCC, and Muni University, the district continues to invest in its youth and future, ensuring that it remains a beacon of progress in the West Nile sub-region and beyond.
Schools in Arua District
In Arua District UCE 2020 Examinations Results, Ushindi SS emerged the top secondary school with 57.61% pass rate from 92 candidates who sat the exams. The second place with 57.61% pass rate is St. Joseph’s College, Ombaci. Sts. Peter & Paul Seminary, Arua took position 3 to seal the top three best schools in Arua district in the just concluded 2020 Uganda Certificate of Education UCE exams. The following schools also made it among the top schools in Arua district.
Wandi Progressive S 29.61%, Cornerstone SS, Arua 25.93%, Ediofe Girls’ SS 20%, Muni Girls’ SS 13.59%, Rhino Camp High School, Wanyange- Arua 12.50%, Hillside SS, Aiivu 11.49%, Oluko SS 10.00%, Top Schools in Arua District 2020 UCE Examinations Results This list of top schools in Arua District was generated by ranking the percentage pass rate obtained from the percentage of candidates who scored division one in each school. Ushindi SS 57.61%, St. Joseph’s College, Ombaci 54.92%, Sts. Peter & Paul Seminary, Arua 36.36%, Wandi Progressive SS 29.61%, Cornerstone SS, Arua 25.93%, Ediofe Girls’ SS 20%, Muni Girls’ SS 13.59%, Rhino Camp High School, Wanyange-Arua 12.50%, Hillside SS, Aiivu 11.49% and Oluko SS 10.00%.2020 Arua District UCE Results Breakdown
| Rank | School | Division 1 | Candidates | % Pass |
| 1 | Ushindi SS | 53 | 92 | 57.61% |
| 2 | St. Joseph’s College, Ombaci | 67 | 122 | 54.92% |
| 3 | Sts. Peter & Paul Seminary, Arua | 8 | 22 | 36.36% |
| 4 | Wandi Progressive SS | 53 | 179 | 29.61% |
| 5 | Cornerstone SS, Arua | 14 | 54 | 25.93% |
| 6 | Ediofe Girls’ SS | 31 | 156 | 20% |
| 7 | Muni Girls’ SS | 14 | 103 | 13.59% |
| 8 | Rhino Camp High School, Wanyange-Arua | 10 | 80 | 12.50% |
| 9 | Hillside SS, Aiivu | 10 | 87 | 11.49% |
| 10 | Oluko SS | 3 | 30 | 10.00% |
Secondary Schools in Arua City and the District
- Adumi Secondary School
- All Saints Secondary School Ociba
- Alliance Global College
- Anyafio Role Model SS
- Anyavu Secondary School
- Aria Secondary School
- Aripea Secondary School
- Arivu Secondary School
- Arua Academy
- Arua Hall
- Arua Islamic Secondary School
- Arua Progressive College
- Arua Public Secondary School
- Arua Secondary School
- Arua Town College Girls SS
- Arua Town Secondary School
- Bishop Angelo Tarantino Memorial SS
- Bondo Army Secondary School
- Cornerstone Secondary School, Arua
- Ediofe Girls Secondary School
- Ejome Secondary School
- Hillside Secondary School
- Hilston Prince And Princess SS
- Imvepi SS
- Jaden Memorial Secondary School
- Katrini Secondary School
- Latibo F Secondary School
- Logiri Girls Secondary School
- Mandela Comprehensive SS, Arua
- Manibe Public Secondary School
- Micu Secondary School
- Modern Secondary School Ocoko
- Mt Wati Secondary School
- Muni Girls Secondary School
- Mvara Secondary School
- Najah Muslim Secondary School
- Nile High School, Odianyadri
- Yole Polytechnic (secondary Section)
- The Pearl Secondary School Arua
- Ushindu Secondary School
- Oluko Secondary School
- Ombatini Secondary School
- Oriajini Secondary School
- Otumbari Secondary School
- Owaffa Secondary School
- Sartori Memorial High School Obi
- Joseph S College Ombaci
- Micheals Odromacaku
- Peters Ajia Secondary School
- Peters Secondary School Odupi
- augustine Secondary School, Kuluva
- thereza High School, Ocodri
- Standard College, Arua
- Peter & Paul Pokea Seminary
- Wandi Progressive Secondary School
- Wilifi Comprehensive Secondary School
- Vurra Secondary School
Primary Schools in Arua City and District
Aanga Primary School Abia P7 School Abiki Primary School Abiki PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Ajia Abindi Parents Primary School Abira Parents Primary School Abiria Primary School Addu Primary School Adravu P School Arua Logiri Adravu P7 School Afeya Primary School Airfield Model School Arua City Ayivu Division Ajiraku Primary School Ajivu Primary School Ajono Primary School Akara Hill PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Akua Primary School Al- Hilal PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Aliba Primary School Alio Primary School Alive PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Al-Jaria PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Alpha Primary School Alpha PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Altus PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Alua P7 School Ambeko P7 School Anava PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Arivu Angazi Primary School Anguru Parents PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Arivu Ania Primary School Anyafio Primary School Anyara Cope School Anyavu Primary School Anyavu PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Anzuu PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Archbishop Odama John PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Aria Primary School Ariavu Primary School Aripea Primary School Aripezu Primary School Arivu Child Care PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Arivu Arivu Primary School Arivu PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Arivu Ariwa Primary School Aroi Primary School Arua Demo School Arua Hill Primary School Arua Intergrated PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Arua International School Arua City Arua Central Division Arua Islamic Institute Arua Monessori Primary School Arua Parents Primary School Arua Primary School Arua Prisons Primary School Arua Public Primary School Arua Victorious PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Asuru Primary School Ave Primary School Ave PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Awaliyo Primary School Awika Primary School Awindiri Primary School Ayaa Primary School Ayayia Primary School Ayayia PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Ajia Ayelembe Primary School Ayiova Primary School Ayiova PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Baman PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Bayan Primary School Bayan PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Belia Primary School Bendulu P School Arua Logiri Bendulu P7 School Bibia Primary School Bidi Primary School Bilal Junior School Arua City Arua Central Division Binze Primary School Blessed Comboni Primary School Blessed Comboni PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Bondo Primary School Bongova Primary School Bradford Junior Bradford Junior Arua City Ayivu Division Bridge International Academy Adalaf Arua City Ayivu Division Bright Academy Bright Academy Giligili PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Bright Angels PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Bright Destiny PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Bright Horizon Primary School Bright Junior PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Bright Primary School Bright PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Bright View Primary School Brilliant Model PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Budrabe P7 School Burua Primary School Chakai Primary School Charles Lwanga Primary School Chiaba Cope Primary School Chiaba P7 School Children Of Hope PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Christ The King Primary School Christ The King PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Cilio Primary School Cinya Primary School City Star PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Cornerstone Primary School Dadawu Parents PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Ajia Daniel Preparatory Driciri Primary School Dubai View PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Ajia Ebenezar PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Ebenezar PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Ebenezer Primary School Ebenezer PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Eceko Primary School Eden Glorious PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Ediofe Boys’ P7 School Ediofe Girls P7 School Ejirikombeni Primary School Ejirikombeni PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Ejome Primary School Ekarakafe Primary School Eku Primary School El- Shadai PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Elefe Primary School Eleku Primary School Endreku Primary School Endru Primary School Enzeva Primary School Erewa Primary School Eruba PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Esther PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Etori Kindergarten PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Etori Primary School Etswaám PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Ewadri Primary School Ewava Primary School Ezuku P7 School Fauz PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Fee P7 School Firm Foundation PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Freedom PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Future Foundation School Arua City Ayivu Division Generation PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Gila Islamic PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Giligili Primary School God`S Will PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division God’s Grace PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Golden Child Arua City Arua Central Division Golden Treasure Primary School Green Land PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Green World PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Greenland PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Happy Day Primary School High Scope Primary School High Scope PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Highway Junior Arua City Ayivu Division Hillside Primary School Hilstone PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Hirai Islamic Primary School Homing Dove Inter Primary School Hope Kebir Primary School Hope Kebir PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Hope PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Hopeway International PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Ibia Primary School Ibn Aba Primary School Ibn Abas PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Ikhla Islamic Centre Ikhla Islamic Centre Arua City Arua Central Division Illi Primary School Imam Muslim Primary School Imam Muslim PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Imvepi Primary School Intensive Care Primary School Inyau P7 School Ipa Primary School Isaac Foundation PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Jiako Primary School Jildo Primary School Jude Golden Stars’ Primary School Kaigo Primary School Katrini Primary School Kayia Primary School Kayia PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Ajia Ketekele P School Arua Logiri Ketekele P7 School Kijoro – Odrua Primary School King Jesus PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Kings Primary School Kiridoaku Primary School Kizito Adiofe Orphanage School Kova Primary School Kubo Primary School Kuluva Hosp Primary School Kuluva Hospital PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Landon Junior PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Lazebu Primary School Lebu Luzira Primary School Lenua Community Primary School Leo Education Centre Liberty Academy Arua City Arua Central Division Lindoa Primary School Lini Primary School Liria Primary School Lolia Community PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Longamere Primary School Lufe Cope Centre Primary School Lugbari Primary School Luvu Primary School Mary’s Primary School Nyiovura Mbaro Primary School Mbaro PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Merry Land Junior Academy Arua City Arua Central Division Micu Primary School Mingoro Primary School Mofame Mother Goose Primary School Mofame Arua Logiri Mother Goose PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Mother Mary Junior PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Mother Tina Education Centre Arua City Ayivu Division Muni Primary School Mutte Primary School Mvara Corner Curve Mvara Junior Primary School Mvara Primary School Mvara PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Mwara Corner Curve PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Najah Islamic Primary School Ndirea Primary School Ngaziku Primary School Nile Demonstration Primary School Niva Primary School Noah Ark Int School Arua City Ayivu Division Nyio Primary School Nyirivu Primary School Oasis PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Obaru Primary School Obaru PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Ajia Obayia Primary School Obi Primary School Obiyu Primary School Ocea Primary School Oci Primary School Ociba Hill PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Ociba Islamic P7 School Ociba P7 School Ocoko Primary School Odobu Primary School Odravu Cope Centre Odruva Primary School Oduluba P7 School Odupi Primary School Oje Primary School Ojipaku Primary School Ojuku Hill Primary School Okavu PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Okazara Primary School Okpova Primary School Okpova PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Arivu Olaka PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Oleni Primary School Oli Primary School Oliba P School Arua Logiri Oliba P7 School Olua Cope Olua Green Hill Primary School Olua Primary School Ombaci Primary School Ombaci Satellite Primary School Ombaderuku Primary School Ombatini P7 School Ombokoro Primary School Omiro Parents Primary School Omiro Parents PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Omugo Primary School Onai Primary School Onduparaka Primary School Oninia P7 School Onzivu P7 Onzua Primary School Opia Primary School Oprah Jayden PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Orawa Primary School Oreku Primary School Oriajini P7 School Oriama Community Primary School Orozo PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Orube PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Orukurua Hill Primary School Osio Primary School Otumbari Primary School Ovisoni Hill PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Owaffa Primary School Owayi Primary School Oyoo Primary School Oyoo PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Oyoze Primary School Ozu Primary School Pajuru Primary School Pajuru PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Palm Tree Academy Perea Primary School Peters Primary School Philips Primary School Piffer Italo Foundation Primary Pokea Primary School Queens & Kings Primary School Ragem Junior Arua City Ayivu Division Ragem Primary School Riki Primary School Ringili Primary School Rock Foundation PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Royal Primary School Royal PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Ruva P7 Primary School Sir Andrews Primary School Sirip Primary School Smart Primary School Soa Primary School Springs Primary School Soa PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division St Charles Lwanga PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division St Gregory Narrow Gate PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division St Jildo PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division St John Bongova PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Ajia St John’s PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division St Jude Golden Stars PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division St Juliana PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division St Kizito PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Arivu St Leo Education Centre Arua City Arua Central Division St Mary’s PRIMARY SCHOOL Nyiovura Arua City Ayivu Division St Marys PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra St Peter’s Happiness PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division St Peters PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Star Primary School Star PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Steiner Primary School Supiri P7 School Swalihin Primary School Tawakal PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Arua Central Division Tere Hill Community Primary School Tere Hill Community PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Ajia The Rising Star Primary School The Rising Star PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Tilevu Primary School Torit P7 School Trinity Junior Arua City Arua Central Division Tropical Junior School Arua City Arua Central Division Trust Education Services Arua City Ayivu Division Tuku Primary School Tumvea Primary School Uguvu Primary School Urugbo Primary School Ushindi Primary School Venturei Primary School Venturi Child Dev’t Parents School Arua City Ayivu Division Venturi PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua City Ayivu Division Victoria New Vision PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Logiri Victorious Junior School -Arua Arua Vurra Vurra Comm Prog PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Vurra Cope Centre Primary School Waffe Primary School Wandi P7 School Wandi Progressive Pt School Wanguru Hill Primary School Wani Roel PRIMARY SCHOOL Arua Vurra Wati Primary School Yacha Community Primary School Yelulu Primary School Yetemaye Primary School Yiddu Primary School Yole Primary School Yoro Primary School
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