Balalao given two-week ultimatum to leave Northern Uganda
Dr Kenneth Omona (Centre) addressing press in Gulu City on Friday.
What you need to know:
The ultimatum was announced Friday afternoon by State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, Dr Kenneth Omona
The government has ordered migrant cattle keepers, known as the Balaalo, to peacefully vacate northern Uganda and the West Nile sub-region within two weeks, or face forceful eviction for violating an Executive Order.
The ultimatum was announced Friday afternoon by State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, Dr Kenneth Omona.
Speaking at the Office of the Prime Minister’s Regional Office in Gulu City, Dr Omona said the directive followed a meeting with President Museveni on May 19, 2025.
President Museveni instructed security agencies to ensure that errant cattle keepers who cause social disorder leave the affected regions.
The meeting was attended by senior security officials, including army commanders, Resident District Commissioners, Regional Internal Security Officers, police chiefs, and intelligence officers.
The order follows Executive Order No. 3 of 2023, issued on May 19, 2023, which called on migrant livestock keepers to leave the Acholi, Lango, West Nile, and Teso sub-regions due to indiscipline.
The President highlighted that the Balaalo’s cattle were destroying food crops belonging to indigenous communities.
He stated that only cattle keepers who have fenced their grazing grounds and provided water should be allowed to remain.
Additionally, the President banned commercial charcoal production and the felling of exotic tree species such as Afzelia Africana and shea trees (yaa), setting June 2023 as the deadline for compliance.
The eviction exercise began in December 2023 but was halted in early 2024 following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease across districts in the four regions. By that time, 7,203 heads of cattle had been evicted from northern Uganda.
Dr Omona said the eviction has now resumed, starting May 23, 2025, urging migrant cattle keepers to leave peacefully.
“After two weeks, any cattle keepers remaining in the regions will be forcefully evicted. The exercise will be led by the UPDF and supported by sister security agencies. All cattle will exit through Karuma Bridge,” he said.
He added that cattle without movement permits or relevant documentation will not be allowed to leave.
“To protect livestock farmers from theft, only cattle with all necessary documents will be allowed to cross Karuma Bridge. Otherwise, they will be turned back,” Dr Omona stressed.
He noted that land ownership disputes between landowners and cattle buyers will be addressed through further negotiations.
Security agencies have warned local leaders and communities against interfering with the presidential directives.
Maj Gen Felix Busozoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, said any cattle keeper or security officer found accepting bribes to obstruct the process will be arrested and prosecuted.
“Anyone offering or taking bribes to frustrate the process will face consequences. We are committed to implementing this order to the letter,” Maj Gen Busozoori stated.
He also warned the public against stealing cattle during the eviction, emphasizing that such acts will not be tolerated.
“I understand that the conduct of some cattle keepers has deeply hurt local communities. However, revenge theft of cattle will not be allowed,” he added.
Security sources estimate over 92,000 heads of cattle and 727 herdsmen reside in northern Uganda and West Nile, although some leaders suggest figures between 100,000 and 500,000.
Amuru District reportedly has the largest concentration, with about 102,200 cattle.
Meanwhile, Col David Opeero, Deputy Commander of the 5th Infantry Division, assured readiness to enforce the presidential order.
He explained that the eviction will take place in three phases: the first will be peaceful, the second and third will involve force, particularly targeting those who defy the order.
Security officials also revealed that some migrant cattle keepers hail from neighboring countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo, northern Tanzania, and Burundi.
