Agency
Over 300 Balaalo cattle keepers have sued the government, challenging a recent eviction directive which they say was issued without a prior verification process to determine land ownership or the legality of settlement in Northern Uganda.
In their application filed before the Civil Division of the High Court in Kampala on Tuesday, the cattle keepers say the lawsuit follows the renewed enforcement of an executive order first issued by President Yoweri Museveni in May 2023.
The order called for the eviction of pastoralists—primarily the Balaalo—accused of illegally occupying land in the region, failing to fence their farms, and damaging community livelihoods.
The applicants say they are now facing a June 25, 2025 deadline issued by Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division, and supported by Police Commissioner Ocaya Phillip, to leave the region or face forceful removal.
They also cite a 14-day ultimatum allegedly issued by Dr. Kenneth Omona, Minister in charge of Northern Uganda, without consultation or legal hearings.
Through their legal representatives—Mwesigwa Rukutana and Company Advocates—the Balaalo argue that the enforcement is being conducted without due process, violating their constitutional rights to property, fair hearing, and freedom of movement. The cattle keepers are now seeking a High Court injunction to halt the eviction process pending a judicial review of the legality and fairness of the directive.
