President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has endorsed the creation of three new districts in a move aimed at resolving the long-standing conflict between the Japadhola and Iteso communities in Tororo.
During a meeting held today at State House, Entebbe, the President proposed that Tororo Municipality be elevated to city status and designated as a neutral administrative unit. In addition, three new districts would be established to serve both communities.
The meeting was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo and brought together leaders from the two ethnic groups, who have been embroiled in a prolonged dispute over the control and status of Tororo Town.
“We have agreed on the principle: Tororo becomes a neutral city, and we create three new districts—Mukuju, Mulanda, and a third one, which should have a neutral name,” President Museveni stated. “Some people want to call it Tororo, but we are saying no—go and find a neutral name.”
Under the proposed arrangement, the Japadhola community would receive two new districts—Mulanda and the third yet-to-be-named district—while the Iteso community would receive one district, Mukuju, along with the neutral Tororo City.
President Museveni emphasized that the restructuring aims to foster fairness and restore balance between the communities.
“The compromise should be that the Badama get two new districts, and the Bateso get one district and a city. Just like in Mbale, where there is both Mbale District and Mbale City, Tororo can also have a district and a neutral city,” he explained.
He also criticized the prolonged ethnic divisions, arguing that they have hindered development in the region.
“You people are really wasting time for your communities. What’s crucial is bringing services closer to the people. That’s why we divided larger districts like Bukedi, which once encompassed Pallisa and Busia, into smaller and more accessible administrative units,” the President added.
