Four kraals cleared in Amuru as Balaalo evictions begin

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Cattle from four of the 34 kraals in Opara subcounty have so far been evacuated, according to Silvester Opira, a member of the Atiak chiefdom in Amuru district, as the implementation of Presidential Order No. 2 issued last month continues.

The order, issued by 4th Division Commander Brig. Gen. Felix Busizoori requires all cattle belonging to the Balaalo herdsmen to be evacuated from northern and northeastern Uganda to allow for an audit of the land they currently occupy.

The directive is being implemented in three phases over a 65-day period, beginning on June 18, 2025.

According to Opira, cattle in areas such as Okidi, Pupwonya, Palukere, Pacilo, and parts of Elegu have not yet been removed. He appealed to security agencies to enforce the order with strict compliance.

Meanwhile, Anthony Oringa, chairperson of Lakang subcounty, confirmed that in Bana Parish, where land has been earmarked for a sugarcane plantation by Madhvani Group, cattle have already been evacuated. However, the same has yet to occur in the areas of Atoro, Lajalula, and Kololo.

Busizoori stated that over 4,000 head of cattle have so far been removed from areas under his jurisdiction, with an additional 2,000 currently held at various centres awaiting evacuation.

The exercise dubbed Operation Harmony seeks to address ongoing land conflicts reportedly caused by the influx of pastoralists, especially those settling without proper fencing, water sources, or authorisation. The crackdown is also targeting those without legitimate claims or proper infrastructure.