Will elevation of Tororo Municipality into city status end tribal conflict?

A big debate has emerged in Tororo whether government's alleged plan of elevating Tororo Municipality into city status will resolve the prolonged tribal conflicts in the district.

As a section of leaders agree that indeed the plan is strategic to resolve the crisis, some district political leaders say it might indeed escalate the situation.

As part of the strategy to resolve the prolonged tribal clashes between the two tribes of the Jopadhola and Iteso, government is currently in discussion to elevate Tororo Municipality into a city to put the conflict to rest.

Speaking to Nile Psot, Dr. Tanga Odoi confirmed that him, the speaker Anita Among and the vice president Jessica Alupo have been tasked by the president to engage with the relevant authorities to see to it that the issue to be resolved.

The conflict that began in late 90s is as a result of a disputed border between the two ethnic groups with each claiming the ownership of Tororo Municipality.

But just incase the municipality is elevated to a city, how will this resolve the conflict?

To Tororo Mayor Kenneth Orono, the idea of elevating Municipality into a city will indeed provide a lasting solution since it will house both tribes

" You would have maintained the status quo because both the Jopadhola and Iteso will be accommodated within the city" said Orono, Mayor Tororo Municipality

The district Chairperson John Okea equally suggests that the move is a better option for all sides saying it will give birth to new administrative units.

" This will automatically give us two more districts. One from Tororo county side and one from West Budama side. This will answer the district question as well," Okea said.

Tororo County leaders who have been at the fore front of agitating for the district division, the initiative won't be of help since their dream has been a district.

" No one has ever had a thought of having a city in Tororo county. The people of Tororo county South And North Haven remained on their demand for district and that is all we want."

Geoffrey Othieno, the chairperson Tororo county political district said those fronting the move are self seekers who're just eyeing political positions.

" First of all, the parameter in which city is given, Tororo currently doesn't meet it. Those agitating for a city are doing it for political gains because it will create more constituencies for them"