By Philip Opio
SOROTI — Leaders in Soroti District have been urged to prioritize unity and peaceful coexistence by addressing tribal divisions that continue to affect communities across the district.
The call was made by Robert Opio, the District Councilor-elect for Katine Sub-county, who expressed concern over the growing cases of tribal tensions witnessed during recent political campaigns and elections.
According to Opio, divisions among communities became more visible during the campaigns for presidential, parliamentary, and local government elections, creating unnecessary conflicts that threaten peace and development in the region.
“It has been noticed that many communities have been subjected to tribal conflicts, especially during election periods. Leaders must now take responsibility to unite the people and promote peace,” Opio said.
Opio, who also served as the outgoing Speaker for Katine Sub-county, emphasized that elected leaders have a responsibility to promote harmony among communities regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation.
He made the remarks following the ongoing swearing-in ceremonies for Members of Parliament across the country, including leaders from the Teso sub-region who recently assumed office.
According to Opio, development can only be achieved if leaders work together and discourage politics of division.
“This is the time for leaders to work for the people and unite communities so that development can move forward,” he added.
Meanwhile, Francis Orisa, the District Councilor-elect for Arapai Sub-county, echoed similar concerns and stressed the need for leaders at all levels to cooperate in serving communities.
Orisa, who previously served as the Youth Chairperson for Soroti District, said tribalism can only be defeated through regular community engagement and dialogue aimed at addressing challenges affecting families and economic development.
“The only way to eradicate tribalism is by bringing communities together through dialogue and focusing on development issues that affect ordinary people,” Orisa noted.
He encouraged leaders to organize community meetings and sensitization programs that promote unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among residents.
However, the Member of Parliament for Dakabela County, Peter Edeku Edopu, pledged to prioritize service delivery and peace-building initiatives during his term in office.
Edeku assured residents that he would work closely with other leaders to strengthen unity and ensure government programs benefit all communities equally.
Leaders in Soroti District have increasingly raised concerns over the impact of tribalism on social cohesion, political cooperation, and economic development.
Residents who attended the engagements welcomed the calls for unity, saying peaceful coexistence is necessary for the district to achieve meaningful development and improve household livelihoods.
The appeals come at a time when newly elected leaders across the country are beginning their terms of office following the recently concluded general elections.
