Local leaders in the Acholi sub-region have strongly criticized President Yoweri Museveni’s recent directive ordering the eviction of balaalo herdsmen from northern Uganda. The leaders described the presidential Executive Order No. 3 as rushed, generalised, and potentially harmful to the region’s economy and social stability.
With the 14-day deadline for the balaalo to voluntarily vacate northern Uganda now expired (Friday, 6th June), tensions are rising among communities and herdsmen alike. The order, which threatens forceful eviction, has sparked public concern among opinion leaders, cultural figures, and landowners in Acholi.
During a press briefing held in Gulu City on Saturday, local leaders asked the President to suspend mass evictions and instead set up a committee to verify land ownership and livestock investments.
-“We are not against the law, but we believe it is unfair to generalize all balaalo. Those who have legally acquired land and live peacefully with our communities should be allowed to stay,” said Charles Onenacan, a resident of Nwoya District.
Onenacan emphasized that the region’s growing livestock economy, partly driven by balaalo cattle farming, could generate over 600 billion shillings and create numerous jobs if allowed to thrive. He warned that a blanket eviction could reverse these gains.
Similarly, Charles Ocitti, the Chairman of the Jowa Land Owners Association in Gulu, noted that there was no prior verification of landowners and herders before the eviction order was issued. “We are asking the President to give us at least eight months to verify all livestock farming activities and investments in the region. The current approach is not well planned,” Ocitti said.
Cultural leader Prince Willy Aliker from Nwoya also voiced concerns about the financial and social consequences of the eviction. “Evicting people without verification could cause financial damage to communities and spark unnecessary conflicts,” he said.
On the other side, Bestwell Katunka Kasaiza, the spokesperson of the balaalo herdsmen in Attiak, Amuru District, said they were disheartened by the eviction order. “We don’t know where to go. The deadline passed, but we are still here because we have nowhere else,” Kasaiza said.
Despite the order’s expiration, there has been no forceful eviction yet. When contacted by phone on Saturday, David Kamya, the Fourth Infantry Division Public Information Officer, and Michael Lakony, the Amuru District Chairperson, confirmed that no operations had started and that an official communication was still pending.
The eviction stems from growing concerns over illegal land occupation and conflict between local communities and migrant herdsmen.
However, Acholi leaders now warn that unless the matter is handled with proper verification and fairness, the consequences could be far-reaching.