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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has unveiled a historic proposal to resolve the decades-old conflict between the Japadhola and Iteso communities in Tororo. During a high-level meeting at State House, Entebbe, the President recommended elevating Tororo Municipality to city status as a neutral administrative unit, alongside the creation of three new districts to serve both communities. The initiative, backed by Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo and key cultural and political leaders, aims to foster equity, enhance service delivery, and promote lasting peace through compromise and mutual respect.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has put forward a landmark compromise aimed at resolving the long-standing conflict between the Japadhola and Iteso communities in Tororo.

During a meeting held today at State House, Entebbe, the President proposed elevating Tororo Municipality to city status and designating it as a neutral administrative unit. He also suggested the creation of three new districts to cater to the interests of both communities.

The meeting, which was also attended by Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, brought together leaders from the two ethnic communities who have long contested the control and status of Tororo Town.

“We’ve agreed in principle that Tororo will become a neutral city, and we shall establish three new districts—one named Mukuju, another Mulanda, and a third whose name should be neutral,” President Museveni stated. “Some have proposed calling it Tororo, but we’ve said no—go and agree on a neutral name.”

The president urged both communities to engage in calm and constructive dialogue over the naming of the third district.

“There’s no need for conflict. Talk amongst yourselves respectfully. It’s not worth fighting or dying over a name,” he stressed.

As part of efforts to end the decades-long conflict between the Japadhola and Iteso communities in Tororo, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has proposed a balanced and inclusive administrative restructuring.

In a meeting held today at State House, Entebbe, and attended by Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, the President suggested that the Iteso community retain Mukuju—an uncontested area—and also benefit from a neutral Tororo City. Meanwhile, the Japadhola would receive two new districts: Mulanda and another whose name is yet to be agreed upon.

President Museveni emphasized that this arrangement would ensure equity and restore harmony between the communities.

“The fair compromise is for the Badama to get two new districts and the Bateso to receive one district and a city. Just as Mbale has both a district and a city, Tororo can follow the same model,” he explained.

The President criticized the longstanding ethnic tensions, noting that they have hindered development in the region.

“You are wasting valuable time for your people. What matters is improving service delivery. That’s why we previously divided larger districts like Bukedi—which included Pallisa and Busia—to make services more accessible,” he said.

Drawing from scripture and his own life experiences, President Museveni cautioned against ethnic and land-based political divisions.

“I was a Mulokole until 1965. We used to say: ‘They left undone what they ought to have done, and did what they ought not to have done, and there is no truth in them.’ That’s exactly what you’ve been doing,” he said.

He referenced the biblical story of Abraham and his herdsmen to illustrate the value of peaceful compromise: “Abraham told them, ‘If you go east, I’ll go west, and if you go west, I’ll go east.’ That’s the kind of wisdom we need today.”

President Museveni urged both communities to rise above historical grievances and focus on development and service delivery.

“Even if the entire Tororo Town went to the Bateso, what difference would it make? What matters is bringing services to the people—not ownership,” he said.

He also pointed out that earlier attempts to stir up colonial-era boundary disputes, such as claims over Rakai in Buganda, were dismissed in favor of national unity.

“I wasn’t interested in those distractions then, and I’m not interested now,” he said.

The president stressed that the debate over the name “Tororo” should not overshadow the broader goals of unity and national development.

“We must not get stuck on the name. What’s truly important is creating wealth and opportunities,” he said, noting that since Tororo is already an established name, it makes sense for the town to retain it, while a new district takes on a neutral name.

“If Tororo remains with the town, the new district can have a different, neutral name. That shouldn’t divide us,” he urged.

He questioned the logic of both groups insisting on the name “Tororo” for separate districts.

“How can each group claim the right to name a district Tororo? This area belongs to both communities,” he pointed out.

Reflecting on Uganda’s decentralization strategy, the president reminded the leaders that the creation of new districts aims to improve service delivery—not to entrench ethnic divisions.

“Let’s not allow a name to matter more than the welfare of our people,” he stressed.

He concluded by acknowledging the shift in attitude among the leaders present, commending their willingness to seek compromise, and urging them to finalize internal consultations and communicate their decisions through the vice president.

“At least now you’re beginning to see reason. Finally, the Bateso have said, ‘Let’s cooperate instead of fighting over Tororo.’ That’s a sign of progress,” he said.

Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo also presented a compromise framework that followed a consultative meeting with representatives from both communities on April 22, 2025.

In her remarks, she noted that the two groups had reached a shared understanding aimed at promoting peace, equity, and effective service delivery.

She announced that both communities agreed to elevate Tororo Municipality to city status, with the new city encompassing the current Tororo North and South constituencies.

She also revealed that Kwapa Town Council would be upgraded to a municipality, and a new Mulanda District would be created from Budama Central and Budama South.

In line with decentralization goals, Nagongera Town Council would also gain municipality status. Furthermore, both sides agreed to establish another district in the eastern part of the region, with its name and boundaries to be determined through mutual consultation.

The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, applauded the Vice President for her key role in guiding the discussions toward a peaceful resolution.

“Yesterday, both sides met with her and presented their views. I want to sincerely thank the Vice President for her leadership,” Hon. Oboth said.

The meeting was also attended by His Royal Highness Kwar Adhola Moses Stephen Owor, cultural leader of the Japadhola people; Emorimor Papa Paul Sande Emolot, cultural leader of the Iteso; Hon. Hellen Grace Asamo, Minister of State for Disability Affairs; Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission; and various religious and cultural leaders.