With WordCamp Lira 2025 fast approaching, it’s time for attendees from distant locations to start planning their trip to Lira City.
Scheduled for August 30, 2024, at Lira Town College in northern Uganda, WordCamp promises to be an exciting gathering of WordPress enthusiasts, tech creatives, developers, bloggers, and digital innovators.
In this article, we’ll explore the different transport options available to help you make your way to the heart of Lira with ease.
Kampala to Lira
The distance between Kampala and Lira is approximately 360 kilometres via Karuma, with the journey typically taking 5 – 7 hours by road depending on traffic, vehicle type, and road conditions. Travelers can choose between two main routes: the eastern route through Jinja – Soroti – Lira (approximately 425 km), or the greater northern route via Karuma, branching off from Kamdini to reach Lira City.
Getting from Kampala to Lira can be done in several ways. Below are the four main transportation options to consider.
- Bus
Several bus companies operate direct services between Kampala and Lira, including YY Coaches, Goodluck, Acanadiro, and Felister Buses. These buses offer comfortable seating at relatively affordable rates, currently ranging between UGX 30,000 and UGX 35,000.
Booking: Tickets can be purchased at bus terminals in Kampala – such as the YY Coaches terminal or Namayiba Bus Park – or conveniently booked through various online platforms.
2. Taxi/Matatu:
These are 14-seater minibuses operating on a shared basis, picking up and dropping off passengers along the route. While they are a common and affordable mode of transport, they may be less comfortable compared to buses.
Departure Points: Shared taxis can be found at major taxi parks in Kampala, such as the Old Taxi Park and the New Taxi Park.
3. Private Car Hire
Renting a car offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to travel at your own pace. Several car rental companies in Kampala offer vehicles for self-drive or with a driver. This option is generally more expensive averaging around UGX 800,000; but provides a personalized travel experience.
4. Ride-Sharing Services
Carpooling platforms such as Twende Uganda connect travelers heading in the same direction. This is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option, and can also be a great way to meet new people during the journey.
Tip: For a comfortable and safe trip, choose reputable bus companies, trusted taxi operators, or reliable car hire services.
Gulu to Lira
The distance between Gulu and Lira is approximately 130 kilometres. A self-drive journey typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, while buses take about 2 hours. This means you could leave Gulu at 6:00 a.m. and arrive in Lira between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.; perfect timing for the start of WordCamp Lira 2024.
The transport fare is around UGX 20,000, and same-day return is very feasible.
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Soroti to Lira
Just like Gulu, traveling from Soroti to Lira is straightforward, with several transportation options available. The quickest option is by taxi. The distance between Soroti and Lira is approximately 110 kilometres, and the journey takes about 1 hour. A same-day return trip is easy to plan.
Arua, Nebbi
For those coming from Arua, Nebbi or West Nile in general, you need to travel the day before the event. The distance from Arua to Lira is about 421km and takes about 6-7 hours during daytime. The best option is travel using Elite taxis, and ticket price is UGX 40,000. Elite taxis leave Arua at about 7-8 am and reach Lira at about 3 pm. But when returning, you can depart Lira at midnight and reach Arua by 6:30am.
Dokolo, Alebtong, Oyam, Otuke
For attendees coming from Dokolo, Alebtong, Oyam, or Otuke, boda bodas (motorcycle taxis) can be a convenient option for short-distance travel. However, keep in mind that morning rain can cause delays, so it’s best to plan ahead or arrange alternative transport if the weather looks uncertain.
Conclusion
Whichever route you take; whether it’s the long, scenic drive from Kampala, a quick hop from Soroti, or an early morning ride from Gulu – planning ahead is key. Booking bus tickets early, confirming your taxi arrangements, or securing your car hire in advance will ensure a smoother, more comfortable, and stress-free journey.
For those with the stamina, traveling overnight to arrive in the morning and heading back the same evening is possible, but nothing beats arriving early, resting, and ready to soak up every moment of the event. If you need more guidance and clarifications, please do not hesitate to reach to us.
We can’t wait to welcome you to WordCamp Lira 2025 – come ready to connect, learn, and be inspired in the heart of northern Uganda. See you in Lira!
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