Tororo debate ends in chaos, councillors seek Alupo Intervention

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A heated debate over the long-standing division of Tororo district at a council meeting has ended in chaos.

The February 26, 2025, chaos has forced some councillors to postpone making a decision and seek mediation from Vice-President Jessica Alupo.  

The contentious issue, which has fuelled tribal tensions between the Jopadhola of West Budama and the Itesot of Tororo County, threatens to further hinder service delivery in the district.

The council meeting, chaired by speaker, Betty Cheria Andera, had item 8 on its order paper: The district division proposal.  

However, before deliberations could begin, councillors from Tororo County demanded the item be removed, sparking a clash with their West Budama counterparts. The ensuing chaos saw Tororo County councillors chanting: "We want the London map report!" and "We want the district divided as per the 1947 boundaries!" while West Budama councillors countered with: "No city, no district division"

Tororo district council convene for a seating at the district council chambers. (Credit: George Ofwono)

The proposal to divide Tororo into three

The division proposal, put forward by Nyangole sub-county councillor Patrick Omare, suggests splitting Tororo district into three: Elevating Tororo municipality to city status and creating two new districts, one in Tororo County and another in West Budama. 

Omare argued this would improve service delivery by bringing services closer to the people.  

"The fight and accusations of marginalisation stem from the distribution of resources. Splitting the district into three, with Tororo municipality becoming a city, is the only way to extend services effectively," he said.

However, before Omare could fully present his argument, Tororo county councillors vehemently opposed the debate, leading to escalating tensions.

Councillor Noah Okumu, representing western division, then proposed deferring the matter and arranging a meeting with Alupo, who President Museveni has tasked with mediating the issue.  

"Given the President's involvement, deferring the matter to meet with the Vice-President for a constructive resolution is necessary," Okumu said. 

This was seconded by Kalait councillor Joshua Omella, who stressed the importance of reviewing the 1947 boundaries as outlined in the London report.

The council overwhelmingly supported the motion to meet Alupo.  

Despite the chaotic scene, Andera described the rowdiness as a positive sign, suggesting it demonstrated councillors' growing understanding of their roles. She emphasized the council's ultimate authority on the matter, irrespective of the complexities involved.

Ditch archaic administrative boundaries

The proposed division has sparked public debate. 

Mzee Okoth Nyalulu, the chairperson of the Padhola Elders Forum, questioned the purported benefits: "To know if there are benefits in dividing Tororo, we should see it reflected in the people's wealth. The number of MPs and CAOs is meaningless if the people remain poor".

"Bukedi region, with all its new districts, is the second poorest in Uganda after Karamoja. Dividing districts is mostly political and doesn't directly benefit the majority," he added.

He further argued that the focus should be on development, digitisation and technology, rather than on archaic administrative boundaries.

Leo Cris Okongo, a Tororo municipality resident, echoed similar sentiments: "Dividing districts perpetuates the British 'divide and rule' tactic instead of fostering development through upgraded administrative units that create jobs and innovation".

The district division quest has been a decades-long struggle, with the Itesot population of Tororo County claiming marginalisation by the Jopadhola of West Budama.  Ownership of Tororo Municipality remains a major point of contention.

President Museveni, during a recent PDM tour of Bukedi, emphasized the need for dialogue among the Tororo population: "Let them fight; when they are tired, they will come, and we will resolve their problem harmoniously".