Gov’t resumes eviction of Balalo herdsmen from Northern Uganda
GULU, May 27, 2025 – The Government of Uganda, through the Office of the Prime Minister [OPM], and the Ministry of Defence, has resumed the eviction of migrant herdsmen, commonly referred to as the Balalo, from Northern Uganda.
Last Friday, Dr Kenneth Omona, Minister of State for Northern Uganda, announced during a press conference held in Gulu City that President Museveni had directed the resumption of the eviction exercise. This action aligns with Presidential Executive Order No. 3, which bans migrant herdsmen from grazing in the Northern Region.
The eviction operation, which initially began in 2023, had been temporarily halted following an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. However, the government has since confirmed that all cattle across the country have now been vaccinated, thereby lifting the ban on animal movement.
According to Dr Omona, the Balalo have been given a two-week ultimatum, starting from 23 May, to voluntarily vacate the sub-region along with their livestock.
Addressing the media, the minister dismissed claims that the herdsmen were being unfairly targeted despite acquiring land legally. He clarified that Museveni had advised the cancellation of such land sales, citing possible exploitation of landowners.
Current data from the OPM indicates that more than 700 herdsmen are currently grazing over 92,000 head of cattle in the Acholi Sub-region.
Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the UPDF 4th Division, stated that during the voluntary departure period, all cattle owners must obtain exit permits from district veterinary officers and are only permitted to exit via Karuma. Movement will be restricted to the hours between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Maj Gen Busizoori further warned that after the expiry of the two-week ultimatum, the army, in collaboration with local leaders, will commence a forceful eviction of the herdsmen. Any impounded livestock will be auctioned off.
Geoffrey Oceng Osborn, the Resident District Commissioner of Amuru, noted that the presence of the herdsmen, particularly in Lakang Sub-county, has significantly delayed the start of operations for the Amuru Sugar Works project. The project, a joint venture between the Uganda Development Corporation [UDC] and the Madhvani Group, seeks to establish a sugarcane processing facility in the district.
Mr Oceng added that he continues to receive complaints from local communities regarding cattle encroaching onto communal land, destroying crops and other property.
https://thecooperator.news/minister-issues-directive-on-presidential-executive-order/
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