By Aggrey Baba
Former Aruu County MP Odonga Otto has issued a warning to big-headed Balaalo operating in Northern Uganda, saying that local communities are ready to use force to eject them if they defy the presidential directive ordering their departure.
The strong statement comes amid heightened tension in parts of Acholi and Lango sub-regions, where locals have grown increasingly frustrated by what they say is a slow and selective implementation of President Yoweri Museveni’s recent Executive Order, which instructed non-compliant cattle-keepers (commonly referred to as Balaalo) to vacate Northern Uganda by a set deadline.
In a message shared on X, Otto warned that “Those Balaalo who defy the Presidential directive shall have the community to push them out forcefully so that the verification begins. We don’t mind confronting any enemy (guns or not). This will be massive.”
Otto, a vocal figure in Northern politics, praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs for their great job so far in enforcing the directive. However, he expressed concern that some elements within the government could still be shielding certain herders.
The Balaalo cattle-keepers from western Uganda, have for years settled in parts of the north, often leasing large pieces of land from local landlords to graze their long-horned cattle. But over time, the influx has sparked friction with the local communities, who accuse them of encroaching on communal land, destroying crops, and ignoring local land tenure systems.
The President’s directive followed years of complaints and investigations, with local leaders insisting that many of the herders had arrived without formal agreements, fenced off water sources, and introduced conflict in otherwise peaceful areas.
Last week, a joint force of UPDF soldiers and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture began a second phase of cattle eviction, starting in the districts of Pader and Kitgum. Trucks loaded with cattle were reportedly seen leaving the areas under military escort, while others were intercepted during late-night movements in violation of the presidential guidelines.
However, in some places, enforcement has been sluggish or delayed, with locals now threatening to take matters into their own hands.
“We thank the President for listening to us. But now, if implementation is sabotaged from Kampala or Gulu, we shall handle it here. Let no one say we didn’t warn them,” Otto added.
His comments have sparked fresh fears of violent confrontation, especially as some Balaalo continue to resist eviction, claiming they had lawfully acquired land, with others asking for more time to prepare their exit, citing logistical challenges.
In a meeting earlier this month, Acholi Parliamentary Group members called for the immediate suspension of all land sales and leases to non-indigenous groups until the verification exercise is concluded.
State Minister for Northern Uganda, Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, has urged calm and patience, saying the government is committed to ensuring the Balaalo vacate peacefully and in accordance with the law.
“We are working with the ministries concerned to make sure the directive is fully implemented. Force should not be the first option, but we understand the anger on the ground,” she said.
For now, trucks continue to rumble through the dusty roads of Kitgum, loaded with cattle and watched closely by an increasingly restless population. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
