By Haron Okwir
Otuke, Uganda | Authorities in Otuke have suspended the sale of land to Balalo herdsmen following the ongoing enforcement of Presidential Executive Order No. 2 of 2025, which directs the eviction of Balalo from Northern Uganda.
The directive, issued by President Museveni, seeks to remove Balalo herders from the Acholi, Lango, and West Nile regions, where they have faced accusations of illegal land occupation and destruction of crops through uncontrolled cattle grazing.
Despite earlier eviction deadlines and the deployment of UPDF personnel to enforce the order, many Balalo have remained in the region.
They argue that they acquired land through legal means and have since turned to the courts for protection.
The Balalo have also requested additional time to fence their land to prevent their cattle from straying onto farmland and causing further conflict.
In a recent meeting held at Alir Barracks, Otuke RDC Erick Masiga and officials from the UPDF addressed key operational challenges.
During the meeting, it was resolved that of the 188 heads of cattle previously impounded due to coordination issues, 92 were verified to belong to Otiti and 41 to Okech.
These animals were subsequently returned to their rightful owners.
Masiga stated that going forward, the UPDF, along with GISOs and DISOs, would actively participate in the registration and documentation of kraals and livestock in the district to improve coordination and enforcement.
He noted that one of the major obstacles to the operation has been the involvement of some local community members who are allegedly hiding cattle on behalf of the Balalo.
He warned that such individuals would be dealt with according to the law and could face arrest.
Masiga urged the people of Otuke to support the security operations and comply with the presidential directive.
He also appealed to all residents to suspend the sale of land to Balalo herders until the situation is fully resolved and new guidelines are issued.