SERERE – The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Serere district Ms Harriet Nakamya has ordered the Balaalo to compensate locals for all crops destroyed by their cattle.
The RDC was responding to concerns raised by host communities in Serere while on a visit to all sub-counties in Serere district.
According to Nakamya while addressing the Balaalo community at Bugondo sub-county, she said most of the Balaalo were been born here and do not need to be segregated from the other communities.
She further said, she will not segregate between the locals and the Balaalo because most Balaalo are just employees of the local community.
She tasked all sub-county Chairpersons to register all the Balaalo and their herds of cattle so that they can find a way to rectify the problem.
Brain Bugabo, the Chairperson representing the Balaalo community in Bugundo said, most of the wetlands and forests meant for grazing animals have been occupied making it difficult for them to graze their animals.
Bugabo also said most of these cattle are owned by the natives of the area whom the Local Councils (LCs) fear to approach and end up blaming cattle keepers.
Bugabo appealed to the RDC to intervene in these matters as the Balaalo community are excluded from all government programmes because they are Balaalo and yet they are citizens of this country.
“When it comes to any programmes to benefit the community, we the Balaalo are segregated,” Bugabo complained.
Andrew Nyemera one of the cattle keepers said, he had an agreement with his employer who is a native of the area but it doesn’t include what happens in the night.
“I will only be responsible for what happens in the day time not night so my boss remains in charge at night, “he said.
Micheal Otim, a Veterinary Officer, Bugondo sub-county attributed all the above as cross cutting issues. Addressing it must be a collaborative effort between the cattle owners and the keepers.
To him issues concerning the wetlands should be addressed in order for harmony to prevail for both parties.
“We are going to register all cattle owners and identify all the wetlands starting next week,” says Otim.
Finally, Robert Onyait, the Bugondo sub-county Chief who was also present welcomed the move saying it would help them address their concerns from the grassroots level.
“We shall have a meeting with the local leaders and see how best we can tackle this matter,” Otim added.
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