West Nile leaders vow to boycott 2026 elections over Balaalo land disputes
Upper Madi MP Isaac Etuka (left) welcomes State Minister for Northern Uganda Dr Kenneth Omona to Madi-Okollo District headquarters as Madi-Okollo LC5 Chairperson Ismail Drabe looks on, May 10, 2025. PHOTO/PATRICK OKABA
What you need to know:
- 2026 vote threatened by unresolved Balaalo conflicts in West Nile.
Local leaders in the West Nile region have threatened to boycott the 2026 general elections if the government fails to resolve land disputes and cattle-related conflicts linked to migrant pastoralists known as Balaalo.
The grievances were aired during a three-day tour by State Minister for Northern Uganda Dr Kenneth Omona in Madi-Okollo, Nebbi, and Pakwach districts, aimed at reviewing the implementation ofExecutive Order No. 3 of 2023, which regulates cattle rearing and land use.
“We don’t hate the Balaalo, but they must register, acquire land legally, and respect local communities,” said Madi-Okollo LC5 Chairperson Ismail Drabe.
He added: “If government doesn’t act, we will mobilise our people to boycott the 2026 elections.”
Drabe said farmland under the Parish Development Model (PDM) has been turned into grazing fields, leaving beneficiaries discouraged and economically vulnerable.
Madi-Okollo Resident District Commissioner Joshua Masaraka accused some leaders of compromising enforcement by allowing Balaalo herders to cross into the region through Pakwach checkpoint without valid documents.
“Sixty percent of land disputes in Madi-Okollo involve Balaalo herders. Only 20 percent of land ownership documents are verifiable,” he said, adding that night movements of cattle exacerbate illegal settlement.
MP Isaac Joakino Etuka of Upper Madi County said theft of livestock and land encroachment through fraudulent means have increased.
“Justice is often delayed or denied. There must be fair compensation for crop destruction and animal losses,” he added.
“West Nile has not been considered in government restocking programmes, despite massive livestock losses caused by Balaalo invasion,” Etuka noted.
Minister Omona acknowledged the delayed implementation of Executive Order No. 3 due to a national outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
He confirmed that enforcement would soon resume, led by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and police.
“A complaint desk will be opened to verify the legitimacy of Balaalo herders. The executive order provides clear guidelines, including fencing and provision of water sources before grazing,” Omona said.
Pakwach Woman MP Jane Avur blamed some security officials and local leaders for issuing illegal livestock movement permits and failing to consult traditional authorities in land deals.
“The result is fraudulent land acquisition, rising tensions, and community displacement,” she said.
One farmer, Justin Adomati, said his cassava garden was grazed by cattle. “When I reported it to police, no action was taken. We feel abandoned,” he said.
Minister Omona urged for nonviolent solutions, promising a government-led survey to assess the extent of the crisis and support affected communities.
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