A high-stakes meeting convened by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo to resolve the longstanding administrative conflict in Tororo District ended in both progress and tension, as leaders clashed over the naming of proposed new districts.
The delegation from Tororo, composed of leaders from both West Budama and Tororo County, reached a unanimous agreement to elevate Tororo Municipality to city status, within its current boundaries.
However, sharp disagreement ensued over which side would retain the name “Tororo District.”
During the meeting, Tororo County requested the creation of two new districts. West Budama made a similar request.
After evaluating both submissions, Vice President Alupo, standing in for President Yoweri Museveni, advised that the government could only accommodate three administrative units: one district for Tororo County, one for West Budama, and Tororo City.
She explained that the government currently cannot bear the financial burden of creating multiple new administrative units and encouraged the delegation to accept the proposed two districts for now, with the possibility of future sub-divisions.
Alupo also informed the meeting that Mukuju is already a gazetted district awaiting operationalization, and she recommended it be prioritized for fast-tracking.
Tororo District Woman MP Sarah Achieng Opendi supported the vice president’s proposal of having two districts and a city.
She expressed hope that the new Tororo City would retain the name “Tororo,” and proposed that the new districts adopt either neutral names or composite names like “Tororo-Mukuju” and “Kisoko-Mukuju.”
However, some leaders strongly opposed the idea of using “Tororo” in any of the new district names.
The MP for West Budama South Otiam Emmanuel Otaala emphasized that Tororo District already exists and cannot be recreated, as some were suggesting.
Dr. Odoi Tanga the NRM Electoral Commission Chairman urged the meeting to first fast-track the elevation of the city and resolve the naming dispute afterward.
Former MP for Tororo North County, Annet Nyakecho, suggested following the precedent of previously elevated municipalities, like Soroti and Mbale, which retained their original district names after attaining city status.
State Minister for Defence (General Duties) Jacob Markson Oboth Oboth downplayed the naming dispute, calling it a “minor issue” that could be resolved easily if leaders checked their egos.
“There is no way a newly created administrative unit can inherit the name of an existing one,” he argued.
The conflict between the Japadhola (also known as Adhola) and Iteso communities in Tororo is deeply rooted in the question of identity and control over Tororo Municipality.
The Japadhola see the municipality as central to their heritage, while the Iteso claim it falls under Tororo County.
Previous government attempts to resolve the standoff have often been met with resistance and mistrust from both sides.
Vice President Alupo thanked religious leaders for their continued efforts to promote peace and unity in the region.
“You have demonstrated unity among yourselves and with the population. Thank you for instilling moral values and fostering a spirit of togetherness,” she said.
She further encouraged the Japadhola and Iteso communities to embrace unity through intermarriage, friendship, and cooperation.
“Let our people start speaking freely, mixing freely, and living without fear. Only then can the government serve Tororo as smoothly as it does in other districts,” she said.
The day-long meeting was attended by several high-profile leaders, including: His Royal Highness Papa Emorimor Paul Sande Etomeileng Emolot, Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor, State Minister for Defence (General Duties) Jacob Oboth Oboth, Minister of State for Disability Affairs Hellen Asamo, also MP representing Persons with Disabilities and Dorcas Okalany, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development
Religious leaders present included: The Most Rev. Emmanuel Obbo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Tororo, Rt. Rev. Samuel Bogere Egesa, Bishop of Bukedi Diocese and Representatives from the Tororo Muslim fraternity and the Pentecostal Assemblies of God
Other attendees included Members of Parliament, technical officers, the LC5 Chairperson, Municipality Mayor, district and sub-county councilors, and other local leaders.
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Everyone has been waiting for Mr Museven’s verdict over Tororo District boundary issue. Does this meeting with elders mean that he has failed? Where are the London maps? What a weak Leader!