Government has finally bowed to pressure and resolved to split Tororo District into four administrative units, in a desperate attempt to end the ethnic disputes between the Iteso and Jopadhola(Badaama) communities.The decision was reached during a recent meeting chaired by Vice President Jessica Alupo at her office in Kampala, which brought together top religious, political, and cultural leaders from the region.
For years, the two dominant tribes in Tororo (Jopadhola and Iteso), have been locked in bitter disagreements over resource sharing, service delivery, and administrative control.
The conflict has been addressed in Parliament multiple times, but no lasting solution has been implemented until now.
According to Newvision, and sources that attended the meeting, Tororo Municipality will be elevated to city status, and three new districts will be carved out of the current structure. These include Mukuju, which has already been recognized informally, and two others (West Budama with headquarters in Kisoko), and a yet-to-be-named fourth unit.
However, the biggest elephant in the room remains the name (Tororo), who keeps it, and why. Moses Stephen Owor, cultural leader of the Jopadhola, insisted that Tororo is historically and culturally tied to his people and should remain under their identity.
On the other hand, leaders from the Iteso-dominated West Budama area strongly objected to what they see as the monopolization of the name, arguing that all communities should be treated fairly and that naming should reflect neutrality.
Former Tororo North MP Annet Nyaketcho pleaded with leaders from both sides to put aside their egos and find a middle ground. “Look at Soroti and Mbale. They also had similar issues but resolved them. We can do the same if we want peace,” she said.
With the issue reaching a boiling point, the matter has now been referred to President Yoweri Museveni, who is expected to make the final decision.
The proposed Tororo City will cover key institutions like Tororo College, Tororo Girls’ School, and areas around the Malaba border, marking a major transformation in the region’s urban structure.
The elevation is expected to improve service delivery and promote development, but only if tribal differences can be kept in check.
Whether this move will finally bring peace to Tororo or spark new quarrels over territory and identity remains to be seen. But as an African proverb goes, “You can’t milk a cow while kicking it at the same time.” Peace must come first before progress can follow. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
