The residents of Katakwi district have urgently called on their leaders to intervene regarding the invasion of hundreds of Balalo herdsmen who have taken over major areas of the district.The residents allege that these herdsmen have caused significant havoc, leading to substantial losses for farmers, and have begun to physically assault residents who attempt to prevent their animals from destroying community crops.
Musa Moru, a resident of Ongongoja Sub County and a victim of such an assault, recounted his experience: “Last week, I was assaulted by the Balalo herdsmen after I caught them grazing in my sorghum garden,” he said. “I saw that cattle were in the garden, and when I checked, I saw one guy standing beside it. By that time, the cattle had already destroyed the crops. As the police always advise, if you find cattle in your garden, at least take one to the authorities to aid in the investigation and identification of the owner.”
Moru stated that when he attempted to take hold of one cow to report it to the local council authorities, the Balalo herdsman confronted him, warning him against trying to apprehend his cattle, threatening that it would have fatal consequences.
“When I attempted to take the cattle, he charged at me and hit me in the face with the stick he was holding. They move with sticks, and whenever anyone tries to complain to them while they destroy the crops, all they want is to fight.”
With a visible wound on the left side of his face, Moru is left yearning for justice from local authorities after being treated at a clinic in Katakwi town. “I reported to the police, and they directed me to get treatment first before they could launch an investigation to identify the Balalo herdsman.” Moru added. “I appeal to security and leaders to help us and control the situation before it escalates.”
Christine Akiror ofPalam Sub County expressed that the entire Katakwi district is grappling with how to handle the invasion of the Balalo herdsmen, who have caused the community to live in distress.
“It has instilled fear in the community because even if you report the Balalo to authorities and they pay for the crops, they will bring back their cattle again to the same garden to destroy it a second time, claiming they already compensated for the damage,” Akiror explained. “With the prolonged drought, farmers tried to plant sorghum and cassava, waiting for rain, but most gardens have been destroyed by the cattle. They are now left with many cattle, and there is no grass, forcing them to graze on people’s crops.”
Florence Apeduno recounted waking up to find her crop garden destroyed by cattle in the night. “In the early days when we were disturbed by the Karimojong, at least there was food. Now this is a big temptation for the people of Katakwi,” she stated. “The government should act soon and send the Balalo back to their home districts because they have brought a lot of losses to us.”
Apeduno noted that the community would have no issue if the Balalo herdsmen grazed their cattle without causing harm. “Even when they are engaged, they will never listen,” Apeduno exclaimed. “They treat the community as if we are not the rightful people of the area. This is the time we need the government most to help address the situation before it escalates. What will happen in the future if these people stay around for a long time, behaving this way while they are still new?”
Juventino Omaruk, the LC1 Chairperson of Akamurei village, noted that the Balalo have brought a significant number of cattle to the area despite limited grazing land.
“They have brought many cattle here, and now that there is limited grass, they have resorted to grazing on people’s crops,” Omaruk reported. “Since 2018, when these Balalo herdsmen came to our area, we have recorded over 200 cases, most of which have never been settled.”
Omaruk expressed concerns about the illegal settlement of the Balalo in their area and the fears the community has developed. “The community fears that if these people settle here for a long period, they might eventually claim ownership of the land,” he said.
According to Omaruk, instead of apologizing to the farmers whose crops have been destroyed, the Balalo often resort to violence against the victims.”In just one week, three people have been assaulted, so we call upon President Museveni to issue an order regarding this issue before the situation escalates because local leaders have often misled the community, claiming that the situation would be settled, only for the suffering to continue,” Omaruk appealed.
Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, the Resident District Commissioner for Katakwi, confirmed his awareness of the situation concerning Balalo herdsmen assaulting community members and grazing on crops.
He stated that directives have been issued to the UPDF to evict the Balalo. “I know it, and we have tried to solve the matter,” Ilemukorit said. “We have encouraged people to report cases of assault to the LC1 Chairpersons and the police. We convened as the district security committee and directed that the UPDF evict the Balalo.”-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
