Community connivance slowing down ‘Balaalo’ eviction in Acholi, says security

ACHOLI - The Police and the army in Acholi have stated that the connivance of community members is delaying the operation to evict nomadic pastoralists.

This delay is forcing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Police to race against time to conclude the assignment.

Operation Harmony is a security-led initiative to evict non-compliant nomadic pastoralists, locally known as the Balaalo, from Northern Uganda.

The operation follows President Yoweri Museveni's Executive Order No. 2 of 2025, which aims to resolve long-standing land disputes exacerbated by the Balaalo’s large, unfenced herds destroying crops on communally owned land.

Speaking to The New Vision on Tuesday evening, Regional Police Commander (RPC) Fred Ahimbisibwe, whose team leads the joint operation, outlined the significant hurdles faced by the forces.

He cited the poor road network in areas like Nwoya and Amuru, explaining that the absence of access roads forces security personnel to drive impounded cows for over 30 to 40 kilometres, which severely affects the operation’s timeline.

Ahimbisibwe also explained that some cattle keepers have been deserting their cattle when confronted. 

He noted that when the herds are impounded, some owners flee, forcing security forces to guard the livestock for up to seven days, during which some cows die. 

To counter this, the forces have initiated a policy to arrest the owners of cows held for more than seven days.

However, the biggest challenge they face is connivance (collusion). The RPC noted that this collusion is delaying operations and distracting their work, as some locals take money and falsely claim ownership of the livestock.

New enforcement strategy

Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division, confirmed the repatriation (of cattle/herders), crediting previous success to the coordinated efforts of local communities, security officers, and police.

The operation, initially slated for completion by September, has been delayed, with officers now projecting it will be done within the next month.

Fred Ahimbisibwe, Regional Police Commander (RPC) whose team leads the joint operation, outlined the significant hurdles. (Credit: Claude Omona)

Moving forward, the RPC announced a new phase focusing on arrests. "We have not had any arrests [in Harmony], but we intend to begin in the next month," he said. 

The police will begin arresting those who conspire with the cattle owners, as well as those who abandon their cattle and run away.

The army boss emphasised that cattle keepers must prove legitimate ownership with documents such as movement permits, including details on when the land was acquired and when the cows were brought into the region.

Protecting communal land

Captain David Kamya, the Public Information Officer for the 4th Infantry Division, explained that the operation’s main goal is to protect the communal land and properties of the community in the Acholi and Lango sub-regions.

"The operation is going on well, and the aims of protecting communal land have been respected by both the police and the UPDF," Captain Kamya stated.

Community reaction

Despite the security efforts, some community members believe more needs to be done. Ojok Joel, a resident of Angagura in Pader district, alleged that many cattle keepers have not yet been evicted. 

Furthermore, he claimed that some herders are dressed in army uniforms and possess guns to guard their cows, prompting a demand for clarification on whether they are UPDF soldiers.

In Adeng Parish, Palaro, Gulu district, a resident named Okema noted that many South Sudanese nationals are still holding large numbers of cattle, urging the UPDF and Police to take swift action.