President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has proposed turning Tororo Municipality into a neutral city as a compromise to end the long-standing territorial dispute between the Japadhola and Iteso communities.
The President made the proposal during a meeting held at State House, Entebbe, attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo and leaders from both communities.
Museveni’s plan involves elevating Tororo Municipality to city status while creating three new districts—Mukuju, Mulanda, and a third yet-to-be-named entity—to fairly distribute administrative authority.
“We have agreed on the principle. Tororo becomes a neutral city, and we create three new districts,” President Museveni announced. “Some people want to call the third district Tororo, but we are saying no—go and get a neutral name.”
The President urged the leaders to resolve naming issues through private discussions, emphasizing that disagreements over names should not hinder national unity.
“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 said.
Under the proposed structure, the Iteso community would receive Mukuju District and benefit from the neutral Tororo City. The Japadhola community would receive Mulanda District and the third district, which must be neutrally named.
Museveni stressed that the arrangement balances power and reflects past successes in decentralization.
“The compromise should be that the Badama get two new districts, and the Bateso get one district and a city,” he said. “Just like in Mbale where there is both Mbale District and Mbale City, Tororo can also have a district and a neutral city.”
He criticized decades of ethnic disputes that have delayed development, arguing that administrative divisions should serve people, not divide them.
“You people are really wasting time for your people. What’s crucial is bringing services nearer to the people,” the President said.
Drawing on biblical wisdom, he urged unity over division.
“I was a Mulokole myself until 1965. We used to say: ‘They left undone what they ought to have done, and they did what they ought not to have done.’ That is what you have been doing,” he added.
Museveni argued that clinging to the name “Tororo” should not derail progress.
“We should not get stuck on the name Tororo. What matters most is wealth creation, not the name itself,” he said. “This place is home to both communities.”
Vice President Alupo, who mediated discussions with both groups ahead of the meeting, presented the finalized compromise plan.
She confirmed that Tororo City would be formed from the current North and South constituencies, Kwapa Town Council would become a municipality, and Mulanda would be carved from Budama Central and South.
Nagongera Town Council would also gain municipality status, and a fourth district would be created in the east, with its name and boundaries still under consultation.
“This structure reflects our shared commitment to peace, equity, and access to services,” said Alupo.
Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Jacob Oboth Oboth commended the Vice President for guiding both parties toward consensus.
“Yesterday, both sides met her and gave their stand, and I want to thank her again today. Thank you, Vice President, for your leadership,” Oboth said.
The meeting was attended by His Royal Highness Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor, Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot, Hellen Grace Asamo, Dr. Tanga Odoi, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.
President Museveni concluded by encouraging leaders to focus on service delivery and not symbolic disputes.
“Let us not allow the name of a place to become more important than the wellbeing of our people,” he said.
