By Tolit Ivan
The government is set to resume the implementation of Executive Order Number 02 of 2025, issued by President Yoweri Museveni, directs the immediate eviction of the “Balaalo” (migrant cattle herders) from Northern Uganda.
The eviction, put on hold due to the 2026 general election, is set to resume this week, according to Dr Kenneth Omona, the State Minister for Northern Uganda
An estimated 140,000 heads of cattle are still roaming parts of northern Uganda.
Addressing newly elected leaders from Acholi sub region during a meeting held at Gulu Logistics Hub, Dr Omona, said President Yoweri Museveni was in the process of appointing a land verification team to audit the claims of cattle keepers who alleged they bought land legitimately.
The eviction exercise is to curb the illegal, unplanned, and sometimes armed movement of the Balaalo and their cattle into Northern and West Nile regions, which has caused conflict over land use.
The eviction exercise is also aimed at allowing the audit on cattle keepers claiming they legitimately bought land, have fenced their farms’ sanctuary, have permanent water sources and have not blocked access to the permanent water sources.
The balaalo, mainly from western Uganda, began settling in the north over the last decade in search of grazing land.
