President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has proposed a significant compromise aimed at ending the long-standing conflict between the Japadhola and Iteso communities over the control and status of Tororo Town.
During a high-level meeting held on Wednesday at State House, Entebbe, the President suggested that Tororo Municipality be elevated to city status and maintained as a neutral administrative entity. In addition, he proposed the creation of three new districts to accommodate the interests of both ethnic groups.
The meeting was attended by Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo and leaders from both the Japadhola and Iteso communities, who have been at odds over the governance of Tororo for decades.
“We have agreed on the principle: Tororo becomes a neutral city, and we create three new districts one called Mukuju, another Mulanda, and a third whose name should be neutral,” said President Museveni. “Some people want to call it Tororo, but we are saying no go and get a neutral name.”
Under the proposed arrangement, the Japadhola community would be allocated two new districts Mulanda and the unnamed third district while the Iteso community would receive one district and the newly established city of Tororo.
“This structure is intended to promote fairness and restore balance,” the President explained. “The compromise should be that the Badama (Japadhola) get two districts, and the Bateso (Iteso) get one district and the city. Just like Mbale has both Mbale District and Mbale City, Tororo can have the same.”
President Museveni criticized the prolonged ethnic tensions, arguing that they have hindered development in the region.
“You people are really wasting time for your communities. What’s important is delivering services closer to the people. That’s why we broke up large districts like the former Bukedi, which once covered Pallisa and Busia, to form smaller and more manageable administrative units.” He said.
Drawing from scripture and his personal experiences, the President cautioned against divisive politics rooted in ethnicity and land ownership, urging leaders to prioritize unity and service delivery.
