In 2023, President Museveni issued Executive Order Number 3, instructing nomadic pastoralists to vacate northern Uganda due to their failure to operate in an orderly manner that would prevent their livestock from damaging crops.
Residents of Akokoro Sub County in Apac District have called on the government to enforce the eviction of cattle keepers, commonly known as Balaalo herdsmen, who have reportedly returned to their area despite a presidential directive issued last year.
In 2023, President Museveni issued Executive Order Number 3, instructing nomadic pastoralists to vacate northern Uganda due to their failure to operate in an orderly manner that would prevent their livestock from damaging crops. The directive required pastoralists to have fenced land with a reliable water source to prevent their animals from straying onto people's farms.
Following the directive, more than 200 pastoralists occupying Akokoro and parts of Ibuje Sub County were evicted. However, residents of Ayeolyec and Kungu Parishes in Akokoro Sub County claim that the herdsmen, believed to have come from Central Uganda, parts of DR Congo, and Rwanda, have returned and are grazing thousands of longhorn cattle, disregarding the president's order.
They accuse the Balaalo herdsmen of fueling land conflicts, promoting criminal activities, and committing immoralities. The herdsmen are also blamed for maliciously destroying crops, causing domestic violence, and engaging in land grabbing.
Felix Odongo Ococ, the Akokoro Sub County LCIII Chairman, emphasized that the herdsmen's return has reignited land disputes and livestock thefts. He urged that the Presidential Directive be enforced to restore peace and order in the area.
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Another resident, Dogulas Okello, said the Balaalo herdsmen have allowed their animals to roam freely in the local crop gardens. He also accused the herdsmen of being involved in the theft of livestock, claiming that stolen animals are taken to Maruzi Ranch and later transported to Kampala via the Masindi-Port ferry.
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Andrew Onyuk, the Apac Resident District Commissioner, confirmed that the Balaalo herdsmen were evicted after the Presidential Directive was issued but stated that he was unaware of their return. He promised to follow up on the matter and ensure it is addressed.
