Tooro’s civil society organizations have launched comprehensive political sensitization initiatives aimed at regional leaders to foster peaceful elections and campaigns.
This proactive approach seeks to address deep-seated regional challenges, including border disputes and tribal tensions, which pose risks of escalating into violent conflicts during, before, or after elections.
In Kabarole district, for example, a longstanding boundary dispute with neighboring Ntoroko over Nyamisingiri village often flares during elections.
Kabarole claims the area as part of Kichwamba sub-county, while Ntoroko maintains it belongs to Nombe sub-county.
Similarly, disputes over quarry ownership have arisen between Kamwenge and Kitagwenda districts, while tribal tensions between the Bakonjo and Basongora communities continue to threaten peace in Kasese district.
Kasunga X1 Leaders’ Retreat
These concerns have prompted action from the Kabarole Research and Resource Centre (KRC). According to Patrick Muzinduki, KRC’s Deputy Executive Director, the organization has initiated the Kasunga X1 Leaders’ Retreat, a two-day event designed to build consensus on regional strategies for peaceful elections and quality leadership heading into the 2026 general elections.
The retreat, themed "Transformative Leadership for Peaceful Regional Development," seeks to leverage the roles of key actors in promoting peaceful, sustainable, and environmentally conscious development amidst challenges like urbanization and population growth.
Fort Portal Central MP Alex Ruhunda emphasized the retreat’s additional focus on addressing household and community-level issues, such as managing conflicts, combating stunting, and reducing malnutrition among children and vulnerable groups.
Over 100 stakeholders from diverse sectors are participating, including national and local leaders, security agencies, electoral officials, religious and cultural leaders, and civil servants.
Through collaborative initiatives like the Kasunga X1 Leaders’ Retreat, Tooro’s civil society is setting a proactive example of how regional cooperation can tackle the root causes of electoral tensions.
By addressing border disputes, tribal conflicts, and community challenges, these efforts aim to ensure peaceful elections and foster long-term regional stability and development.