Things To Do
in Pakwach

Freshly caught fish from the Albert Nile, usually grilled over charcoal or stewed with tomatoes and onions; widely available at local eateries and lodges along the river.

Must-Try!

Steamed plantain served with a rich peanut (groundnut) sauce — a filling staple commonly eaten across the region and easy to find in local homes and restaurants.

Maize meal (posho) served with bean stew or greens; a cheap, common lunchtime or dinner option at roadside eateries and markets.

A popular street food: chapati rolled with fried egg and vegetables — convenient for breakfast or a snack and sold at market stalls and roadside kiosks.

The main market where fishermen sell their catch in the morning, local produce is available through the day, and vendors offer snacks like rolex and grilled fish — a good place to sample fresh local ingredients and watch daily life.

Simple stalls near the river sell fried or grilled fish, roasted plantain, samosas and chapati; friendly vendors provide quick, inexpensive meals and are ideal for trying local street food.

Greet locals with a friendly handshake and a simple 'hello' or local greeting; show respect to elders, remove hats when entering some homes and address community leaders politely when visiting villages.

Dress conservatively, especially in villages and when visiting cultural or religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing and be mindful of local norms.

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, particularly children; some people expect a small payment or exchange of prints for posed shots.

Haggling is typical in markets but keep it friendly and respectful — sellers depend on these sales for income, so avoid aggressive bargaining.

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; small tips (1,000–5,000 UGX / roughly $0.25–$1.25) are customary for porters, guides and restaurant staff in town, and 5–10% is common in lodges and safari operations if service is good. Tip in local currency when possible and hand it discreetly.

Cash (Ugandan shillings - UGX) is king in Pakwach for markets, boda bodas and small purchases; some lodges and tour operators accept US dollars and mobile money. ATMs are limited or unreliable; carry sufficient cash and use MTN or Airtel Mobile Money for many local payments where accepted.

Vegetarian options include matooke, posho, beans, greens and vegetable stews; communicate needs clearly as many meals center on fish and meat. Markets provide fresh produce for self-catering.

Possible but limited in restaurants — rely on vegetable stews, beans and plantain; confirm that sauces use no fish or meat broth. Self-catering or requesting simple vegetable dishes at lodges works best.

Staples like posho and many local foods are naturally gluten-free, but be cautious with chapati, commercial sauces and fried snacks; ask about ingredients and cross-contamination at fried stalls.

Drink bottled or treated water and eat freshly cooked food; avoid raw salads from unknown sources and be cautious with street food if you have a sensitive stomach.