President Museveni has directed 'Balalo' who have cattle in unfenced areas to leave Acholi, Lango and West Nile

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed pastrolist commonly known as balalo who have cattle in unfenced areas in Acholi, Lango and West Nile to leave the area immediately.

The President made the remarks today while meeting Amuru district leaders.

Below is a full statement by President Museveni 

I spent the afternoon in Amuru district with leaders from the Acholi sub-region discussing the issue of the nomadic pastoralists(Balalo). After listening to the various issues raised, I guided as follows:

1. Destruction of crops – I directed the UPDF Division Commander, RPC and the Minister for Northern Uganda to ensure that anybody with cows in an unfenced area in the Acholi, Lango and West Nile sub-regions to leave immediately but in any case not later than 3 weeks from today. 

2. Land ownership- I will hold further discussions at a later date with the two groups (those aligned to the Executive order No.3 & those who are not )  on the issue of ownership and renting in the region.

3. Cultural clashes- Persons engaged in practices that are not compatible with the traditional norms of the Acholi community should desist with immediate effect.

4. Government land- Anybody occupying government land (Aswa ranch, Lakang, land acquired for the Madvhani group, etc.) must leave with immediate effect but in any case not later than 3 weeks from today.

5. Dairy farming - Government shall support the development of the  dairy industry in the  Acholi sub-region.