Maj. Gen. Busizoori having a light moment with Oceng the Amuru RDC (in suit) and Omoro RDC as other stakeholders look on at the UPDF 4th Division barracks. Photo by Arnest Tumwesige
By Arnest Tumwesige
Gulu: The eviction of cattle belonging to nomadic pastoralists (Balalo) from the Acholi sub-region has officially begun, starting with a week-long community sensitization exercise.
The sensitization phase is part of the implementation of Executive Order No. 2 of June 2025, issued by President Yoweri Museveni. The directive mandates the removal of all Balalo-owned cattle from the sub-region.
According to the plan, forceful evictions will begin on June 25, 2025. This second phase will target individuals occupying government land, those illegally settled on communal land, and pastoralists whose animals are grazing freely within communities.
Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, Commander of the UPDF 4th Division based in Gulu, told the media on Wednesday that the eviction exercise will last 65 days. He emphasized that the operation will be conducted in phases to minimize disruption both in the communities currently hosting the pastoralists and those receiving them.
He further clarified that the final phase will include individuals who have met certain requirements but are still subject to eviction under the President’s directive.
Target on cattle
“Most of the land is communally owned. The President wants all cattle removed first, after which a land audit will be conducted. The issue of land ownership will be handled by a verification committee appointed by the President. This is not about chasing people it’s about relocating the cattle. That’s why it’s called Operation Harmony,” Gen. Busizoori explained.
The clarification followed reports that some community members neighboring the Balalo were already celebrating the pending departure with hope of taking over their land regardless acquired legally or not.
The Acholi sub-region is estimated to host between 150,000 and 200,000 cattle belonging to the Balalo. The eviction will be conducted parish by parish across each district.
The operation involves multiple agencies, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) from the Acholi sub-region, Uganda Wildlife Authority, Uganda Police Force, Uganda National Forestry Authority, Ker Kwaro Acholi, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries represented by District Veterinary Officers.
All cattle leaving the sub-region must pass through Karuma, with a movement permit issued by the respective District Veterinary Officers.
Politicians stay off
As the implementation phase begins, Commissioner of Police Philip Acaye, representing the Inspector General of Police, warned political leaders against interfering with the exercise.
“Stay in your lane during this operation. If you do that, we shall complete it without any bruises,” Acaye cautioned. He urged the community to cooperate with enforcement teams already deployed and to provide information that could aid the operation.
Geoffrey Osborn Oceng, the RDC of Amuru District, emphasized that their role as representatives of the President is to ensure the full implementation of the executive order. He called for collaboration and support from all stakeholders.
Brief Background
The eviction of Balalo was initially halted in June 2023, just a month after President Museveni issued Executive Order No. 3. The delay was caused by an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in the Acholi sub-region.
The order followed intelligence reports alleging that some Balalo were allowing their cattle to graze on crops without proper compensation, illegally acquiring land in violation of customary laws, and in some cases, carrying firearms.
