By Aggrey Baba
Former FDC bigwig and Bugweri County MP Abdu Katuntu has warned that the eviction of Balaalo (cattle keepers) from Northern Uganda could result in massive legal costs for government, if handled without due regard to property rights and existing land law.
Speaking on Capital FM’s Capital Gang on Saturday, the legislator argued that some of the Balaalo had acquired land through lawful means such as private purchases and lease agreements.
He said evicting such individuals would open the state to litigation, potentially costing taxpayers billions in compensation. He added that the directive, though politically popular, overlooks legal complexity and could further destabilize land governance in the country.
Katuntu, who is among contemporary Uganda’s most respected politicians because of his moderate politics, also expressed concern about the ongoing shift in land tenure systems, especially in Northern Uganda where communal and customary land ownership is being gradually replaced by individual ownership, often without adequate sensitization.
He warned that unless properly managed, the transition could lead to tribal tensions and an increase in land-related conflicts, comparing the situation to past land crises in Buganda.
Other panelists expressed similar concerns. Angelo Izama, a journalist and researcher, pointed out that the current land tensions ignore the region’s history as a ranching economy.
He explained that Lango and Acholi had once developed strong cattle-based livelihoods, but the introduction of politics into land management had dismantled these systems and left the locals vulnerable.
Simon Rubangakene, a social commentator and researcher, clarified that Museveni’s 2024 directive followed earlier engagements in 2023, when both Balaalo representatives and Northern leaders presented their views.
He said the President’s decision appeared to come after considering both sides, although the outcomes of those discussions were never made public. Rubangakene acknowledged the complexity of the issue, especially where Balaaro settled legally.
Joseph Ochieno added a historical layer, saying that some of the Balaaro in the north may have originally come from areas such as Tanzania or been displaced from central Uganda during past political conflicts.
He urged government to consider the region’s post-war status, particularly in West Nile and Acholi, when enforcing policies that affect land access.
While most agreed that the Balaaro issue is serious, the panel warned against rushed or politically driven evictions. The consensus was that land in Uganda is a deeply sensitive matter that requires long-term planning, careful legal consideration and above all, respect for the rights of all Ugandans (regardless of where they come from).
