President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has proposed a landmark compromise to resolve the decades-old dispute between the Japadhola and Iteso communities over the status and control of Tororo Town.
During a high-level meeting held at State House, Entebbe, on Wednesday, the President suggested that Tororo Municipality be elevated to city status and retained as a neutral administrative unit. In addition, he proposed the creation of three new districts to serve both ethnic communities.
“We have agreed on the principle—Tororo becomes a neutral city—and we create three new districts: Mukuju, Mulanda, and a third one with a neutral name,” President Museveni said.
The meeting was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo and leaders from both communities, who have long been at odds over the ownership and governance of Tororo Town.
The President encouraged both groups to resolve the naming of the third district through peaceful, private dialogue:
“You don’t have to fight. Discuss among yourselves quietly. But it’s not correct to say you’re going to die over a name,” he urged.
According to the proposal:
- The Iteso community would retain Mukuju and benefit from the newly formed Tororo City.
- The Japadhola community would receive Mulanda and the third, yet-to-be-named district.
President Museveni said the arrangement ensures fairness
“The compromise should be that the Badama get two new districts, and the Bateso get one district and a city. Just like Mbale has a district and a city, Tororo can follow the same model.”
He criticized the ethnic rivalry that has hindered development in the region:
“You people are really wasting time for your people. What’s crucial is bringing services nearer to them.”
Drawing from scripture and personal experiences, Museveni highlighted the futility of divisive politics based on land and ethnicity:
“Even if you had said the whole of Tororo Town goes to the Bateso, so what? What matters is service, not ownership.”
Vice President Alupo presented a compromise roadmap shaped by consultations with both communities. Key elements include:
- Elevation of Tororo Municipality to city status, formed from Tororo North and South constituencies.
- Kwapa Town Council to be upgraded to a municipality.
- Creation of Mulanda District, from parts of Budama Central and Budama South.
- Nagongera Town Council to also attain municipal status.
- Formation of an additional district in the east, with boundaries and name to be finalized through mutual agreement.
“Both sides finally agreed to a shared understanding aimed at promoting peace, equity, and service delivery,” Alupo stated.
The proposal was welcomed by leaders from both communities, including:
- His Royal Highness Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor, cultural leader of the Japadhola people.
- Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot, cultural leader of the Iteso.
- Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, who praised Alupo’s leadership.
- Religious and cultural leaders from the region.
President Museveni emphasized that the name “Tororo” should not become a source of division:
“How can the two teams each insist on naming one district Tororo? This place is home to both communities.”
He concluded with a call for leaders to focus on service delivery over symbolic disputes:
“Let us not allow the name of a place to become more important than the wellbeing of our people.”
