Happy TravellerWelcome to Tororo, a bustling town located in the Eastern Region of Uganda. As the main municipal, administrative, and commercial center of Tororo District, this vibrant town has much to offer. From its rich history to its booming industry and stunning natural attractions, Tororo is a must-visit destination for any traveler.
History:
Tororo has a complicated and rich history, with the town being garrisoned by the Uganda Army’s Air and Sea Battalion during the Uganda-Tanzania War in 1978-79. After being attacked by rebels loyal to Milton Obote, the town was recaptured by the Uganda Army, but many civilians were displaced by the fighting. The town was later captured by the National Resistance Army in the Ugandan Bush War.
Location:
Located approximately 10 kilometers west of the town of Malaba at the border between Uganda and Kenya, Tororo is easily accessible by road. The town is about 209 kilometers east of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city. The town’s geographical coordinates are 0°4134.0N, 34°1054.0E (Latitude:0.692780; Longitude:34.181655), and it lies at an average elevation of 1,278 meters above sea level.
Population:
According to the 2014 national population census, the population of Tororo town was 41,906, and it has been projected to grow to 48,500 by 2020. The town has experienced an average annual population growth rate of 2.5 percent between 2015 and 2020.
Industry:
Tororo is the largest producer of cement in Uganda, with three cement factories based in the town. Tororo Cement Limited is the largest cement producer, with three million tons produced annually. The town is also home to SEBA Foods, a food factory that was opened by the president of Uganda in 2010. Additionally, Tororo is the location of Nilefos Minerals Limited, a subsidiary of the Madhvani Group of companies, which mines and processes phosphates for use in fertilizer and related industries.
Rail Transport:
Tororo marks the junction of railway lines to Pakwach, via Soroti, and to Kasese, via Kampala. The metre gauge line from Tororo Junction to Gulu and Pakwach has been out of use since 1993, but it was reopened in 2013 with the help of Rift Valley Railways.
Climate:
Tororo has a tropical monsoon climate with a short dry season. The average annual temperature is 22.4 °C (72.3 °F), with an average high of 28.7 °C (83.7 °F) and an average low of 16.2 °C (61.2 °F). The town receives an average annual precipitation of 1,494 millimeters (58.8 in) and experiences many thunderstorms.
Points of Interest:
Tororo has many exciting points of interest, including:
1. Tororo Rock: A dominating rock outcrop that overlooks the town and offers a fantastic view of the surrounding area. A hike to the top takes around an hour, and there is a fee for a tour guide at the bottom of the rock.
2. Tororo Golf Course: A picturesque course with a clubhouse that features a pool.
3. Tororo Central Market: A bustling market that was knocked down in September 2017 to make way for a new indoor shopping center. A new market has started nearby in Water Village.
4. Tororo General Hospital: A 200-bed public hospital administered by the Uganda Ministry of Health.
5. Uganda Martyrs Cathedral: The seat of the archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tororo.
6. St. Anthony’s Hospital (Uganda): A 150-bed mission hospital affiliated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tororo.
7. Christ the King Priory: A Benedictine monastery of the Congregation of Missionary Benedictines of Saint Ottilien.
8. Tororo-Mbale-Soroti Road: A road that begins in Tororo and continues in a northwesterly direction to end 158 kilometers away at Soroti.
9. Tororo Airport: A public airport administered by the Civil Aviation Authority of Uganda.
10. Tororo Solar Power Station: A solar power station that provides renewable energy to the town and surrounding areas.
11. Busitema University: A public university located 28 kilometers southwest of the central business district of Tororo town.
12. PostBank Uganda: A mobile branch of PostBank Uganda.
13. National Social Security Fund: A branch of the National Social Security Fund.
Whether you’re interested in history, industry, or natural attractions, Tororo has something for everyone. Come visit this hidden gem and discover why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list!
