By KT Reporter
Following a surge in the number of Balaalo herders in Katakwi District, the District Security Committee (DSC) has resolved to identify and expose individuals accused of aiding their entry as part of wider efforts to curb the incursion. On Saturday, Katakwi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, who chairs the DSC, convened a heated meeting with Balaalo herders, residents of Ongogonja and Okulonyo sub-counties, and key security stakeholders, including the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), police, and the UPDF.
The discussions focused on halting the influx of Balaalo and enforcing eviction orders to prevent the destruction of farmers’ crops by large cattle herds. During the September 20 meeting, the DSC and residents allegedly pinned several individuals for facilitating Balaalo settlement.
They include Sagal Moses; Koluo Esaga, a private surveyor accused of selling 100 acres of land to Balaalo in Ongogonja; Okwaput George, NRM chairperson Ongogonja subcounty; Emmanuel Ocen Ogoleit; Peter Opio; Samuel Enangu; Kaleb Alalo; some Local Council Ones; and Balaalo herder Fred Kansime.
ASTU sector commander for Teso and Karamoja, SP Nakutunda Apollo, and Katakwi District Veterinary Officer (DVO) Dr. Ariko Onyait, were also named in connection with granting cattle movement permits, allegedly allowing Balaalo herds to access grazing grounds under the guise of selling animals at markets.
Assistant RDC Dr. Michael Peter Opio shared his own experiences, accusing some security heads of colluding with Balaalo. He noted that police at checkpoints permit trucks carrying cattle, while the DVO allegedly issues fraudulent permits.
He said local councils also authorize movement licenses, allowing Balaalo cattle to be transported under the pretext of being unsold animals from Ocorimongin cattle market before being driven to Ongogonja. Okure warned that officials and community leaders implicated in aiding Balaalo will be held accountable.
However, some of the accused denied the allegations. ASTU sector commander SP. Nakutunda Apollo referred inquiries to the PRO Mt Moroto. Okwaput George William, the NRM chairperson for Ongogonja, dismissed the accusations as politically motivated propaganda. The DVO could not be reached for comment.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
