100 head of cattle evacuated during Operation Harmony from Madi Okollo

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West Nile

Peaceful eviction of nomadic pastoralists commonly known as Balaalo in Madi Okollo district, West Nile Region, has seen 100 head of cattle evacuated.

The Madi Okollo Central Police Station, in collaboration with district security authorities, jointly undertook the operations which ended peacefully according to West Nile Police spokesperson Collins Asea.

The Sunday, July 20, 2025, exercise was able to evacuate 100 head of cattle voluntarily loaded and transported to Hoima district by their owners. The operation follows President Yoweri Museveni's Executive order 2 of 2025, directing the army division commander and other securities to evict all Balalo keeping their cattle from the greater northern Uganda, including government land like Aswa Ranch and Lakang, which the Government secured for growing of sugarcane to Madhivani.

The Presidential directive mandates peaceful eviction of pastoral nomads commonly called the Balaalo from the West Nile and North West Nile regions, Acholi and Lango sub-regions in the greater northern Uganda.

The 100 animals belonged to Ruhinda, who had been keeping them in Okollo town council.

This operation was carried out with the support and co-operation of the district security committee, ensuring a peaceful and orderly eviction process, Asea said.

“We call upon the remaining Balaalo to adhere to the Presidential directive and relocation from West Nile region peacefully. The Police and security agencies remain committed to maintaining peace and order throughout this process,” Asea said.

Police commends and appreciates the efforts and cooperation of the community and all stakeholders in ensuring a peaceful transition.

The pastoral nomads have largely settled in the districts of Arua, Madi Okollo, parts of Arua city in Riki, former Oluko sub-county, Terego, Obongi, Yumbe and Adjumani.

Cases of animal theft

As security and authorities continue to pursue peaceful evacuation of the pastoral nomads, cases of animal theft have remained high in the various districts in West Nile.

In Arua district on separate occasions, two people lost herds of cattle stolen from their kraals. One identified Richard lost three head of cattle, while a soldier identified as Hophine lost six in the months of April and May, respectively.

The increasing cases of animal theft in the districts of Arua and Madi Okollo have become a security threat to the populace.

Boniface Okuonzi, the council Speaker Ajia Local Government, said cases of animal theft have become rampant and common in the parishes of Aya, Ayayia, Ewa, Nyirivu and Ajia.

The sub-county has decided to mobilise vigilantes through the LCs and the youth structures to ensure stolen animals are recovered. The suspects use vehicles, tricycles to transport the stolen animals.

The LCs have been guided to set tight security measures to control theft of animals. Okuonzi says Ajia sub-county borders Arivu, Ogoko and Ayivu division in Arua city.

Meanwhile, animal farmers in Rigbo sub-county in Lower Madi are advised to provide security for their animals as cases of theft of animals continue to ravage the communities.

Rigbo LC3 chairperson Wilson Agele said much as the Balalo pastoralists were evicted from the sub-county, several have animals they rear but have been greatly affected by those who steal their animals.

The sub-county has established checkpoints to ensure those trading in animal business have animal movement permits.