On May 23rd, 2025, the State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, Hon. Kenneth Omona, held a press briefing at the regional Office of the Prime Minister in Gulu City where he announced that the Balaalo herdsmen have 14 days to vacate Northern Uganda or face forceful eviction citing non-compliance with Presidential directives and escalating insecurity in the region. This development has sparked renewed debated on social media on what really could be the reason for this eviction as some believe it's linked to tribalism.
The Balaalo are a group of nomadic pastoralists hailing from areas such as Ankole, Mpororo ancient Bunyoro, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Karagwe in Tanzania, and Rwanda. They journey in search of grazing land for their cattle and are known for their traditional free-range grazing practices. Lately, many have settled in Northern Uganda, especially in the Acholi, Lango, and West Nile sub-regions. The local communities have raised concerns regarding land ownership, the impact of cattle on crops, and cultural differences.
Understanding the Eviction of the Balaalo
Back in 2021, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni encouraged the Balaalo pastoralists to acquire land and fence it to prevent their livestock from causing damage to local crops.
On November 4th, 2021, Hon. Polly Phillip Okin Ojara addressed Parliament regarding the challenges posed by the Balaalo, especially the conflicts created when their cattle damaged local crops. Additionally, concerns were raised about disease transmission, such as Foot and Mouth disease, which affected cattle in Nwoya District. This led to calls for stricter regulations on the movement of the Balaalo herdsmen in the Acholi sub-region.
Despite attempts to manage the situation, tensions remained. On November 5th, 2023, President Museveni instructed that the Balaalo who do not have fenced land in the Greater North should leave the region within three weeks to help resolve the ongoing issues.
The initial deadline for compliance was set for the end of June 2023 but was later extended to September 30, and then again to October 20, 2023. This decision led to frustration within the Acholi Parliamentary Group, who felt excluded from discussions about the extensions and were concerned about the motivations behind them.
General Salim Saleh intervened during these discussions, emphasizing the need for adequate logistics and careful planning to facilitate the eviction process, including the verification of the pastoralists and understanding the legal implications involved.
Eventually, the Acholi Parliamentary Group decided to proceed with the eviction themselves, expressing concerns that General Saleh was supporting the Balaalo for his own benefit. In response, residents from Lapul Sub County called for the removal of the Balaalo, pointing to the damage to their crops and the economic challenges their community faced. Nonetheless, the Minister of Northern Uganda, Hon. Sarah, cautioned against inciting violence or illegal actions toward the Balaalo herdsmen.
The Eviction Process on November 25, 2023
Before the eviction took place, a verification committee, led by Prof. Jack Nyeko Pen Mogi, was established to collect information about the herdsmen. The committee surveyed five sub-regions and identified 217 herdsmen in the Acholi sub-region who were considered illegal. In total, 86 cattle keepers in Amuru district were found to be non-compliant, with about 4,000 cattle involved.
The eviction process officially commenced on May 25, 2023, focusing on herdsmen without fenced land, access to water sources, or those occupying government-owned land. Some herdsmen relocated to nearby areas, leaving behind their cattle, which were sold off as part of the President’s directive. Over 4,692 cattle were removed from various districts including Nwoya, Pader, Lamwo, Apac, Gulu, and Amuru.
Once again, on May 23, 2025, the Balaalo herdsmen were given a 14-day notice to vacate Northern Uganda, aimed at addressing escalating security in Northern Uganda. The move enforces Presidential executive Order 3 which targets Cattle keepers accused of Undermining National Policies and Contributing to local Stability.
The Balaalo eviction situation is a complex issue that requires a considerate and balanced approach. While it is commendable that the government is looking to address the concerns of local communities, it is equally important to consider the rights and livelihoods of the Balaalo pastoralists. Finding a fair solution that meets the needs of both sides is crucial for fostering peace and stability in the region.
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