Kampala, Uganda –
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced the creation of two new districts, Mukuju and Mulanda, in eastern Uganda, with a third district pending approval. This restructuring also includes the elevation of Tororo municipality to city status. The decision, announced following a high-level meeting, aims to address long-standing ethnic tensions between the Japadhola and Iteso communities, stimulate job creation, and enhance service delivery in the region.
The meeting, which included traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, regional ministers, and Local Council 3 (LC3) chairpersons, finalized the boundaries of the new administrative units. Mulanda district will comprise Tororo North and Tororo South constituencies, while Mukuju district will incorporate West Budama and West Budama Central. The boundaries for the third district, to be carved from the remaining territory of Tororo, are still under discussion, with consultations ongoing with Japadhola leaders to ensure equitable representation. The demarcation process draws upon a historical boundary report from London, lending weight to the proposed divisions.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Tororo, Albert Amula, welcomed the decision, highlighting the challenges of administering the vast and populous Tororo district. He expressed confidence that the creation of smaller districts would streamline governance and improve the efficiency of public services. The 2024 national population census revealed a population of 639,700 in Tororo, underscoring the need for administrative decentralization.
The creation of these new districts is a significant development for the region. It represents a concerted effort to address deep-seated ethnic tensions that have potentially hindered development and social cohesion. While the initiative is expected to bring improved access to government services and stimulate local economies, the long-term success of this administrative overhaul will depend on effective implementation and ongoing efforts to foster inter-community harmony. The upgrade of Tororo to city status further solidifies the government’s commitment to developing infrastructure and improving the quality of life for the citizens.