Gulu, Uganda | NOW THEN DIGITAL — President Yoweri Museveni has once again ordered nomadic pastoralists, commonly referred to as Balaalo, to leave northern Uganda if they cannot adhere to the law.
Museveni made this declaration during a visit to Amuru district with leaders from the Acholi sub-region. He emphasized that those with cows in non-fenced areas must leave immediately, labeling it as recklessness. He directed the UPDF Division Commander, RPC, and the Minister for Northern Uganda to ensure that pastoralists with cows in unfenced areas in the Acholi, Lango, and West Nile sub-regions vacate within three weeks. He also ordered the eviction of those occupying government land within the same time frame.
This eviction order follows a previous Executive Order issued by the President five months earlier, directing pastoralists to vacate these areas due to their failure to operate in a manner that prevents their animals from damaging crops. The Executive Order mandated that pastoralists maintain fenced lands with water sources to prevent their animals from straying and damaging crops.
The latest statement by the President reflects his determination to address the issue of nomadic pastoralism in the region and protect the livelihoods of local farmers.
It’s important to note that this situation is subject to evolving circumstances and further updates from Ugandan authorities.
DETAILS TO FOLLOW…
