(Tororo) – President Yoweri Museveni has once again addressed the long standing dispute over the potential splitting of Tororo District, which has been a source of tension between the people of Tororo County and those from West Budama. The disagreement stems from the proposed creation of new districts, and Museveni’s remarks come as both parties continue to battle over the issue.
During a media briefing on November 9, 2024, at the State Lodge in Mbale, Museveni stated that if people are unwilling to negotiate, it is better to step back rather than force a decision. He explained that he had opted not to intervene heavily in the matter, despite the prolonged quarrels. “If you see people are not reasonable, you leave them, and if you try to force too much, you also end up making mistakes,” Museveni said.
The President added that Vice-President Jessica Alupo recently delivered positive news, reporting that the two conflicting sides were close to reaching a consensus. According to Museveni, both parties appear to be tired of fighting, which has led to a growing willingness to agree on a solution. “The Bateso wanted to be split. So, when it came to splitting, the Bateso said ‘We want to go with Tororo municipality because it’s part of Tororo County’. But the Badama didn’t want to split. They said they will die here: You go but without Tororo municipality,” Museveni explained.
The President emphasized that he has taken a neutral stance in this matter, despite his involvement in overseeing other national issues. He pointed out that his role is to let people from the area reach their own decision. “For me, I am a farmer from Ntungamo. I left them? I didn’t want to impose anything on you people,” Museveni stated.
In a separate discussion, Museveni also addressed the stalled $620 million fertilizer factory project in Osukuru, Tororo. The project, which had been initially backed by a Chinese investor, has been delayed due to alleged corruption. Museveni explained that Ugandans in positions of power had taken bribes from the investor, which caused significant delays and loss of interest from the Chinese firm. “The Chinese man was doing great work, but he didn’t know your people. Your people stole money from him. They were busy taking bribes from him,” he said.
He further explained that while he was aware of the individuals responsible for the corruption, there was insufficient evidence to take legal action. “I know who stole money from the Chinese. I see them in meetings dressed in suits, but my Chinese man couldn’t capture evidence to send them to jail,” Museveni remarked.
Despite these setbacks, the President expressed hope that the project could still be revived, acknowledging that some investors, including a female investor, have returned to the table. “We don’t want to be involved too much in government investments. The private sector does better. We shall get a solution because the money is there, fertilizer is there,” Museveni concluded.
