Richard Andama Ferua, W. Nile Tourism Ambassador and a resident of Terego, emphasized the need for the local government to allocate resources to secure the land and harness its rich history for tourism.
Residents of Terego District are advocating for the transformation of a notorious accident site, known as "Tooth Can Lost," into a memorial and tourist destination. Located 35 kilometers along the Arua-Terego-Yumbe road in Aiivu Sub County, the spot is infamous for its steep slope and rough, rocky terrain, which has been the site of several fatal accidents over the years.
In 2010, the area witnessed a tragic incident when a lorry carrying 15 tobacco farmers from Terego failed to climb the incline at Tooth Can Lost, rolling down the hillslope and claiming the lives of the passengers, while others sustained injuries. Following the disaster, locals took it upon themselves to caution travelers, writing an inscription on the hanging boulders that reads, “Tooth Can Lost, To Be Care Full,” warning motorists of the dangers of the area.
The inscription, along with the site's history, has garnered attention on social media, where the unusual English tense and the site's significance have sparked calls to transform it into a tourist attraction. Richard Andama Ferua, W. Nile Tourism Ambassador and a resident of Terego, emphasized the need for the local government to allocate resources to secure the land and harness its rich history for tourism.
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Fadhil Lemeriga, an environmental activist who grew up near the spot, echoed Ferua's sentiments, urging the Terego district government to consider redeveloping not only Tooth Can Lost but also other dangerous spots along the route into tourism sites.
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Augusto Falla, a resident whose land borders the site, welcomed the idea of transforming Tooth Can Lost into a tourist destination, highlighting the potential for increased market and employment opportunities for the local community.
Terego District Chairman Wilfred Saka acknowledged the popularity of the site despite its history of accidents. He noted that some prominent Ugandans have shown interest in the spot, and the district government will soon meet with local residents to begin discussions on the redevelopment process.
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Boniface Aniku, Terego District's Tourism Officer, expressed the district's intention to redevelop all potential tourism sites, including Tooth Can Lost. However, he pointed out that limited resources have hindered progress, urging the private sector to invest in the area's development.
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With increasing national and international interest in the tourism sector, local governments in the region are prioritizing the identification and profiling of potential tourist destinations, including those rooted in pre-colonial history. The redevelopment of Tooth Can Lost could not only preserve its historical significance but also contribute to the economic growth of the area.