President Yoweri Museveni has unveiled a landmark plan to end the longstanding ethnic conflict between the Japadhola and Iteso communities by proposing the creation of a neutral Tororo City. The President made the announcement during a high-level meeting at State House Entebbe, attended by key leaders from both communities.
The proposal seeks to elevate Tororo Municipality to city status with designated neutral administrative entity. In addition, three new districts would be formed to accommodate the aspirations of both the Japadhola and the Iteso. He explained that one district, to be called Mukuju, would be allocated to the Iteso, while the Japadhola would receive two new districts—one named Mulanda and another whose name is yet to be determined.
The President criticized the historical divisions that have slowed development in the region, reminding leaders that the essence of creating smaller administrative units was to improve service access. “The bigger issue is taking services closer to the people, not drawing lines in the sand over names,” he said.
He urged both groups to move past historic rivalries and focus on service delivery, not territorial ownership. “Even if you gave all of Tororo Town to the Bateso, so what? What matters is service, not names,” he said.
The Vice President Maj.(RTD) Jessica Alupo presented a detailed proposal developed after extensive consultations with both communities. She confirmed that Tororo City would be created from the current Tororo North and South constituencies. Kwapa Town Council and Nagongera Town Council would also be elevated to municipality status. She further announced the creation of Mulanda District, carved from Budama Central and Budama South, as well as an additional district to the east whose name and boundaries will be settled later through mutual agreement.
The proposal was welcomed by both cultural and political leaders present. His Royal Highness Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor, cultural leader of the Japadhola, and Emorimor Paul Sande Emolot, cultural leader of the Iteso, attended the meeting alongside other dignitaries including Hon. Jacob Oboth, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, Minister of State for Disability Affairs, and Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission.
Hon. Oboth praised the Vice President for her pivotal role in steering the dialogue towards a peaceful resolution. “Both sides met her and gave their positions. I want to thank her again today for her leadership,” he said.
President Museveni concluded the meeting by urging all stakeholders to rise above ethnic divisions and prioritize national unity and development. “The name Tororo should not be a source of division. Let us focus on wealth creation and prosperity, not titles and boundaries,” he he concluded, as both sides signaled a willingness to move forward in peace.