By Mike Rwothomio

A group of stakeholders from the Greater Erussi area has embarked on a strategic initiative to establish a new district by separating from Nebbi District in the West Nile Sub-region. 

Nebbi District currently encompasses 13 lower local governments, including the sub-counties of Jupangira, Nebbi, Erussi, Ndhew, Atego, Acana, Kucwiny, Padwot, Nyaravur-Angal Town Council, Parombo Town Council, Parombo Sub-County, Akworo Sub-County, and Alala Sub-County.

The proponents of this initiative aim to create a new administrative unit to be named Erussi District, comprising the sub-counties of Erussi, Ndhew, Atego, Jupangira, and parts of Acana Sub-County.

The plan includes establishing two town councils and additional sub-counties to enhance service delivery to the local population.

A task force, chaired by former Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Henry Ringakech, has been formed to spearhead this effort. The task force believes that the creation of Erussi District will bring government services closer to the people, boost agricultural production, particularly of coffee and bananas, and improve infrastructure, especially road networks, through increased funding for maintenance.

Orom Collins Jalacida, the LCIII Chairperson of Erussi Sub-County and a key advocate for the new district, confirmed that the proposed Erussi District would include two town councils, Erussi and Goli, and the sub-counties of Erussi, Pacaka, Jupangira, Atego, and a newly divided Ndhew Sub-County.

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“The Association of Greater Erussi Community has established a task force, chaired by former RDC Henry Ringakech, with Dr. George Rubanga Adubango as vice chairperson. Several sub-committees have been formed, and we are optimistic that, with God’s guidance, this initiative will succeed,” Jalacida stated, acknowledging the support of the media and other platforms.

This initiative aligns with Article 179 of the Constitution of Uganda, which empowers Parliament to create new districts and alter existing boundaries. It also provides the legal framework for district councils to establish lower administrative units. For a new district to be created, Parliament must pass a resolution supported by a majority of its members.

Jalacida explained the procedural steps, stating, “The task force will engage all sub-counties to gather public opinion, ensuring inclusivity before submitting the proposal to higher authorities."

Nebbi District, predominantly an agricultural area, produces food crops such as millet, potatoes, beans, and cassava, as well as cash crops like cotton, coffee, and sugarcane. However, poor road infrastructure has long hindered the transportation of agricultural produce, a concern routinely raised by residents.

Bosco Okwai, a task force member and LCIII Chairperson of Ndhew Sub-County, expressed optimism that the creation of Erussi District would improve road networks, facilitating the transport of crops like coffee and bananas, thereby increasing revenue for both the community and the government.

Dr. George Rubanga Adubango, the task force vice chairperson, added that the new district would address insecurity along the Uganda-Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border, particularly in light of the volatile situation in eastern DRC.

Since 2011, Nebbi District has given rise to Zombo District, Pakwach District, and Nebbi Municipality.

According to the 2024 Uganda National Population and Housing Census, Nebbi’s population stands at 299,398. The creation of Erussi District would reduce Nebbi’s size and population.

In February 2025, the Secretary to the Treasury, Ramadhan Goobi, announced that the government would not create or operationalize new administrative units in the near future. This followed an earlier statement in April 2024 by Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja, who informed Parliament of plans to operationalize 10 additional cities by July 1, 2025.

However, last month, lawmakers from the National Resistance Movement endorsed proposals to split Tororo District into three and elevate Tororo Municipality to city status, as well as create Bughendera District from Bundibugyo, citing the need for improved service delivery.

To address concerns about the size of the proposed Erussi District, Jalacida cited examples of districts such as Maracha, Bundibugyo, Serere, and Ntoroko, which are comparable in size to Greater Erussi. He also referenced the recent creation of Tororo City and its three districts, noting, “The government has its own timeline, but we must seize this opportunity.”

The stakeholders argue that the new district will enhance public service delivery through increased government responsiveness, greater citizen engagement, and improved administrative efficiency due to proximity to local needs.

As the task force continues to mobilize and gather public opinion, the proposal’s success remains in the air , pending broader stakeholder approval.

Last week, Jalacida told the media that Greater Erussi meets the minimum requirements for district status, citing the availability of schools, health facilities, and sufficient population.

Dr. Rubanga expressed confidence in the collaborative effort, stating, “We are working together to improve services for our people.”

Nebbi District Local Government Offices.photo/courtesy

Nebbi District officials, including area Members of Parliament, have yet to comment on the proposal, which is gaining momentum amid a tense political climate. 

At Uganda’s independence, Nebbi was part of the larger West Nile District. In 1974, West Nile was divided into North Nile, Central Nile, and South Nile Districts, with South Nile becoming Nebbi District in 1980.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa your number one grassroot informations