Politicians brewing hatred in Tororo

The current political impasse in Tororo District, which has brought every activity to a standstill, is the worst in the district’s history.

Worse still, the silence of the major stakeholders tells how far it is going to last. Since the death of the district chairman Apollo Jaramogi more than a year ago, the district has gone through a lot of challenges.

For instance, Tororo has been named as the worst district in terms of local government performance. It has registered the worst performance in the field of education sector.

The only hospital, the Tororo Regional Referral Hospital, is now dysfunctional. There is complete paralysis in terms of operation at the facility. Umeme has disconnected electricity supply to the facility due to accumulated power bills and the best patients can do now is to move with own solar lamps as the source of light at night.

One of the district leaders assured us that we have to wait until the next financial year in order to get electricity restored. That means all the hospital machines won’t function for more than three months. Besides, there will be no night operations for all this period implying that more avoidable deaths will occur.

More drama unfolded recently when government declared the President will take over leadership of the district. All these are happening as district political and cultural leaders continue feuding. The elected councillors, local government team and members of Parliament are also politicking.

The Tororo quagmire has hindered service delivery provision, but it also leaves residents in a situation of great uncertainty. The impasse requires a very urgent and balanced negotiations rather than issuing of threats and counter threats by different parties.

The brains behind the confusion in the district - be they Itesots or Jopadhola - should know that Tororo existed before us and will continue to exist even after us. Therefore, the solution to the conflict lies in co-existence.

To an extent, the woes of Tororo is a common disease afflicting many districts across the country. Many district councils countrywide have been rocked by strife where parts of the mother seeks cessation. We have seen this happen in Palisa, Manafwa, Maracha-Terego, and Hoima to name but a few.

For Tororo to regain its former glory: A swift and urgent negotiations featuring independent mediators should be initiated. The district chairperson seat should be filled after conducting fair and free elections as soon as possible.

The more we waste time listening to differing voices, the more we hamper normal business operations in the district. Before the issue of cessation ensued, Tororo residents lived in harmony with one another.

Therefore, the current impasse is just a political gimmick some disgruntled politicians are using to achieve their selfish ends.
Geofrey Okoth,
[email protected]