Agency
President Yoweri Museveni has condemned the disorderly conduct of some Balaalo pastoralists in Northern, Northwestern, and Eastern Uganda, citing key violations that include grazing livestock on people’s crops, illegal land occupation, and blocking access to public facilities like the Nile River.
In a strongly worded statement released Sunday, the President outlined a series of actions by the Balaalo that he said are causing tension and resentment among local communities.
Museveni noted that the destruction of crops stems largely from bringing cattle into areas without proper fencing, such as barbed wire or chain-link barriers.
He further accused some Balaalo of blocking community access routes to key public facilities, fencing carelessly, and, in some cases, occupying government ranches illegally—actions he said frustrate planned development projects such as cattle breeding.
The president questioned whether the pastoralists obtained proper cattle movement permits before entering the affected areas.
He also dismissed allegations that his executive orders on this issue are tribalistic, insisting the orders target “illegal and irrational actors,” not law-abiding citizens.
The statement comes amid growing outcry in northern Uganda, where community leaders have repeatedly raised concerns about encroachment, land grabbing, and destruction of livelihoods by itinerant herders.
