Tororo: Leaders wrestle over name, headquarters for new district

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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has approved the creation of three new districts in Tororo and the elevation of Tororo Municipality to city status, following a meeting with district leaders on April 23, 2025.

This move aims to resolve long-standing tribal conflicts between the Jopadhola and Itesot communities. While two of the new districts are ready for immediate operation, the third remains unnamed, with the location of its headquarters hotly contested.

The approved administrative units are Mukuju, encompassing Tororo County North and South; Mulanda, covering West Budama Central and South; and an unnamed district comprising West Budama North and North East constituencies. Tororo Municipality will retain its current boundaries as a newly created city.

The proposed Mukuju district headquarters. (Photo by George Ofwono)

Unlike Mukuju and Mulanda, which have established names and headquarters, the unnamed district is grappling with a crucial decision regarding its name and the location of its headquarters, with the contest between Nagongera Town Council and Kisoko sub-county.

Proposals 

Nagongera advocates argue for hosting the headquarters, citing its central location and existing infrastructure.

Obbo Oketch, the Nagongera Town Council representative on the district council, stated: "Nagongera is already the only developed township, hosting the only health centre IV which serves the two constituencies, a university, and is centrally located and accessible from anywhere in the proposed unnamed district."

This view is supported by several leaders, but not universally accepted.

Leaders from the greater Kisoko sub-county have presented a counter-proposal.

JB Olowo, councillor representing Petta sub-county, emphasised the historical significance of Kisoko as a former county headquarters and the availability of land suitable for expansion as key factors in determining the headquarters location.

"History and expansion room should determine the parameters for the establishment of the district headquarters," he said.

The naming of the district has also sparked controversy, with many leaders believing "Tororo" should be incorporated into the name, given its status as a traditional district mentioned in the Ugandan Constitution.

"For the President to assent to all the other proposals of districts and a city with their names, and this one remained unnamed, he is aware of the legal implications it carries to do away with Tororo as a district, and that is the name we shall have to carry on with as the unnamed district," Tefro Ocheing explained.

However, NRM electoral commission chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi, urged calm and a focus on development, advising against rushing into decisions on the name and headquarters.

"The name Tororo is not what puts food on the table. Has a district been created? Yes. Is there room for more creations? Yes. It's all about dialogue and discussions. We shall come up with a name for the district. Those of you already exchanging about where the district headquarters should be, don't rush, let us allow the technical people to come on the ground and guide us through the legal parameters for determining where district headquarters should be," he stated.

A source that preferred anonymity revealed that the Tieng Adhola cultural institution and some religious leaders are already mediating to ensure a peaceful and harmonious resolution.

Temporary offices

Meanwhile, preparations for the launch of the other two districts are underway. Wilson Obonyo, Mukuju subcounty chairperson, reported that the district, which will serve 16 sub-counties, has existing buildings that can be used temporarily, pending the construction of new district offices.

"We have an administration block, other old blocks that served the sub-county, and several houses. These can help us for now as the government plans to construct new district offices," he said.

However, Simon Oguti, Pade sub-county chairperson, highlighted the need for renovations.

"These buildings are in a sorry state and need renovation before they can be used," he pointed out.

Mulanda district leaders are equally optimistic about their readiness.

Dr Emmanuel Otala Otaim, MP for West Budama South, stated: "We are ready as of yesterday. I call upon the government not to delay this proposal any further. The districts should become operational as soon as July 1."

He added that land availability would not be a constraint, with plans to utilise bordering sub-counties of Magola, Iyolwa, and Mulanda to host different district departments.

Charles William Okello, Siwa sub-county chairperson, confirmed efforts to secure additional land for the district headquarters.

"We are engaging with the community to secure a bigger piece of land. With the help of our minister, Oboth Oboth, we are negotiating with locals to donate land that can host the district headquarters," he said.

The creation of these new districts marks a significant development for Tororo. However, the uncertainty surrounding the unnamed district highlights the challenges inherent in administrative restructuring.

The resolution of the naming and location disputes will be crucial in shaping the future of this new district.