Toroma County Clamour for District Status Grows Louder Ahead of 2026 Polls

As the 2026 general elections approach, residents of Toroma County in Katakwi District are intensifying calls to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government to elevate their area to district status—a move they say will improve service delivery and deepen their political loyalty.

The demand, first formally adopted by the Katakwi District Council on 9 December 2017, has resurfaced with growing urgency.

Proponents argue that creating Toroma District would not only fulfil longstanding constitutional and administrative goals but also recognise the area’s consistent electoral support for the NRM.

The proposed district would encompass 11 sub-counties—including Amusia, Akoboi, Getom, Okulonyo, Angodingod, Okore, and Guyaguya—as well as town councils such as Toroma, Magoro, and Usuk.

Charles Okorom, a well-known NRM mobiliser in the area, expressed confidence that President Yoweri Museveni would respond to the community’s appeal.

“If the President certifies Toroma as a district before the 2026 elections, 99 percent of our people will vote NRM. This is our humble request, and it’s also a reward for our unwavering support,” Okorom said.

Michael Irimaut, the LC3 Chairperson of Kapujan Sub-county, echoed the call, highlighting the role of decentralisation in bringing government closer to citizens.

“Government programmes like the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and UWEF have reached our people. The creation of Toroma District would take service delivery even closer to the grassroots,” Irimaut said.

The delay in implementing the 2017 council resolution, which also recommended the creation of 63 new villages, continues to frustrate residents.

While some administrative units like Ngariam have since become operational, Toroma’s case remains pending.

During a recent visit to Katakwi, Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi assured residents of government commitment to implementing new administrative structures once budgetary approvals are secured.

“The Ministry is ready. We’re only waiting for Parliament’s green light,” Magyezi said.

Katakwi District is home to an estimated 176,800 people, with Toroma County alone accounting for over 51,000.

Residents argue that the area’s growing population and expanding development needs justify the creation of a separate district.

With the political calendar counting down to 2026, the people of Toroma say they are watching closely for a sign that their longstanding demand will finally be met.

Residents argue that the area’s growing population and expanding development needs justify the creation of a separate district.