Nebbi district stuck with over 300 cattle abandoned by Balalo

NEBBI, August 14, 2025 – Nebbi district is grappling with over 300 cattle left behind by Balalo herdsmen following the enforcement of President Yoweri Museveni’s Executive Order No. 2, issued on 1 June 2025, which mandates the eviction of illegal herders from Northern Uganda and the West Nile Sub region.

William Abedkani, the Nebbi District Veterinary Officer, said the herdsmen failed to transport their animals and abandoned them at Agwok County headquarters. He added that some of the Balalo, fearing eviction, are now hiding in local communities with their cattle.

“All cattle belonging to the Balalo are supposed to be moved out of Nebbi district in phase two of the operation. Phase three will focus on verifying land ownership,” Abedkani explained.

Robert Abak, the Resident District Commissioner of Nebbi, said security teams have established two animal holding grounds for the abandoned cattle, one at Agwok County headquarters, which currently holds 178 animals, and another in Aluka village, Alala Sub-county, with 132 head of cattle.

He noted that the operation began with sensitisation of local leaders in sub-counties where the Balalo had illegally settled.

“We aim to round up more cattle belonging to the Balalo within the next two weeks. If the herders fail to comply with Executive Order No. 2, their animals will be escorted by soldiers to Pakwach district, where an animal checkpoint has been set up,” Abak said.

Hero Muddenyi, a representative of the Balalo, stated that they were awaiting trucks to transport the animals to Kampala for slaughter.

https://thecooperator.news/govt-resumes-eviction-of-balalo-herdsmen-from-northern-uganda/

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