Balaalo saga: Army launches operation to evict unauthorised pastoralists

_________________

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has officially launched the first phase of evicting unauthorised pastoralist groups from the Acholi and Lango regions.

The announcement of the move, dubbed Operation Harmony, was made during a security co-ordination meeting on June 19, 2025, at the army's 5th infantry division headquarters in Acholi Pii, Pader district. The meeting was chaired by 5th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi, and attended by members of the district security committees from the districts of Apac and Pader.

The joint operation, which began immediately, will focus primarily on the Aswa, Maruzi ranches, and Apac Forest areas. This first phase is expected to last 30 days, after which the second phase will expand to cover the entire Acholi and Lango.

The operation follows a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, seeking to address ongoing land conflicts reportedly caused by the influx of pastoralists aka Balaalo, especially those settling without proper fencing, water sources, or authorisation. The division commander emphasised that the crackdown is targeting those without legitimate claims or proper infrastructure.

5th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi (c) poses for a group photo with other participants after the meeting. (Courtesy)

Katungyi urged security committee members to lend their full support to the army in parallel operations aimed at curbing the illegal charcoal trade in northern Uganda. He warned against collaboration with external charcoal dealers, stating, “Let us stop risking our country.”

In addition, the Government, through justice minister Nobert Mao, is putting in place peace customary certificates of ownership to residents in Acholi and Lango aimed at promoting formal land tenure and reducing future disputes.

The operation is being conducted jointly with other ongoing efforts under the UPDF’s 4 Division, covering additional districts in the region.

These revelations are contained in a statement published by the army.