By KT Reporter
Nebbi District is still holding more than 300 head of cattle belonging to Balalo herdsmen after launching operations to enforce Executive Order No. 2, which directs their eviction from the district as part of a wider operation across Northern Uganda. District Veterinary Officer William Abedkani says that since Friday last week, the Balalo herdsmen have failed to transport their cattle from the government’s animal holding ground at Agwok County headquarters.
He explains that by defying the presidential order signed on June 1, 2025, the herdsmen have caused congestion at the holding facility, making it difficult to accommodate more animals. Some Balalo are reportedly hiding in local communities with their herds to avoid eviction. “All the animals belonging to nomadic pastoralists are supposed to leave the district in Phase Two, while the verification of land ownership will be handled in Phase Three of implementation,” Abedkani said.
Resident District Commissioner Robert Abak, who heads enforcement of the executive order in Nebbi, says two animal holding grounds have been opened for Balalo cattle: one at Agwok County headquarters, holding 178 head, and another at Aluka Village in Alala Sub-county, holding 132 head, awaiting collection by the owners. He adds that the operation began with the sensitisation of local leaders in Balalo-residing sub-counties to encourage voluntary compliance.
However, the herdsmen remain largely non-compliant, with many still hiding their animals in villages. “We intend to collect more Balalo animals within two weeks using a village-to-village strategy. If the Balalo do not comply with Executive Order No. 2, the animals will be transported and escorted by soldiers to the Pakwach animal checkpoint,” Abak said. Hero Muddenyi, one of the Balalo representatives, said they are waiting for vehicles to transport their cattle to the Kampala meat packers.
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
