Tororo to Become a City as Japadhola and Iteso Agree on Peaceful Plan

Tororo is set for major changes after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni suggested a plan to end the long conflict between the Japadhola and Iteso communities. His proposal, announced during a high-level meeting at State House, Entebbe, aims to bring peace and equal development to both sides.

The key part of the plan is upgrading Tororo Municipality to Tororo City, which will be a neutral area not claimed by either ethnic group. Along with that, three new districts will be created: Mukuju, Mulanda, and a third district with a neutral name that is still under discussion.

President Museveni emphasized that the name of the third district should not cause more arguments. “You don’t have to die over a name. Talk it out in peace,” he advised.

Under the new arrangement:

• The Iteso community will get Mukuju and benefit from Tororo City.

• The Japadhola community will get Mulanda and the upcoming third district.

Reason Behind the Change

For years, the Japadhola and Iteso have both wanted control over Tororo. This fight has slowed down services and development. Museveni reminded everyone that both communities live in the same region and should not act like enemies.

“You are wasting time. The government created smaller districts to bring services closer to the people, not to promote division,” he said. He also shared a Bible story about Abraham settling land disputes peacefully, urging both groups to follow that example.

Museveni added, “Even if the whole Tororo Town went to the Iteso, what would matter is whether people are getting services, not who owns the place.”

Alupo’s Compromise and Expanded Services

Vice President Jessica Alupo, who played a big role in bringing both groups together, explained more of the details during her speech. She confirmed that:

• Tororo City will be formed from the current Tororo North and South constituencies.

• Kwapa Town Council will be upgraded to a municipality.

• Mulanda District will be created from Budama Central and Budama South.

• Nagongera Town Council will also become a municipality.

• One more new district in the east will be created, with the name and borders to be decided later.

Alupo thanked all leaders for choosing dialogue over conflict. Her efforts were praised by Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, the Minister of Defence, who said, “Thank you for your leadership. Yesterday both sides spoke to her, and today we are seeing the results.”

Museveni made it clear that no community should claim the name Tororo for themselves. “You both come from this land. Stop making the name more important than the people,” he said.

He called for unity, reminding everyone that Uganda’s goal is to improve people’s lives, not stir old ethnic rivalries. “Let Tororo keep its name as a city. The new district should get a new, neutral name. That way, we all win,” he explained.

Leaders present at the meeting included His Royal Highness Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor of the Japadhola, Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot of the Iteso, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, Dr. Tanga Odoi, and other cultural and religious figures.

Museveni ended by appreciating the shift in mindset: “Now you’re starting to be more balanced. Even the Bateso now say we should work together instead of fighting over Tororo. That is progress.”