UPC calls for land policy on herdsmen
Aug 16, 2007
THE Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), has asked the Government to formulate a land policy for herdsmen (<i>balaalo</i>). Miria Kalule Obote, the party president, demanded that the Government sets up an inquiry into how the Balaalo identify land.
By Madinah Tebajjukira
and Patrick Opio
THE Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), has asked the Government to formulate a land policy for herdsmen (balaalo). Miria Kalule Obote, the party president, demanded that the Government sets up an inquiry into how the Balaalo identify land.
She asked Government to explain why the Balaalo moved to Lango with guns.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Miria said the Balaalo are part of the ‘special’ National Resistance Movement (NRM) group, who had been armed and facilitated over the last 20 years to accumulate cattle and forcefully acquire land.
She added that the movement of the Balaalo to Kwoya and Alobo islands in Apac district, was to target oil in the area.
Referring to surveys, Miria said the areas contain huge oil deposits and lime.
“How come these Balaalo target land where there are minerals? They occupied land in Bulisa, which has oil deposits. Previously, they moved up to the Rhino Basin in Nebbi district, which also has oil deposits and now Akokoro. How do they identify these rich areas?†she asked.
Meanwhile, the Police have beefed up security at Maruzi Ranch, in Akokoro and Ibuje sub-counties in Apac district, to facilitate a peaceful movement of the Balaalo pastoralists in the area.
The district Police chief, Peter Max Sirikye, yesterday said about 60 Police officers had been deployed in Akokoro sub-county.
He added that other officers had been deployed at Kungu and other fish landing sites in the area.
“The pastoralists are a problem to the farmers,†said Sirikye, adding that they should seek permission from the district authorities to take their cattle to the Government ranch.
Sirikye asked the Police officers to behave professionally when handling the herdsmen.
and Patrick Opio
THE Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), has asked the Government to formulate a land policy for herdsmen (balaalo). Miria Kalule Obote, the party president, demanded that the Government sets up an inquiry into how the Balaalo identify land.
She asked Government to explain why the Balaalo moved to Lango with guns.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Miria said the Balaalo are part of the ‘special’ National Resistance Movement (NRM) group, who had been armed and facilitated over the last 20 years to accumulate cattle and forcefully acquire land.
She added that the movement of the Balaalo to Kwoya and Alobo islands in Apac district, was to target oil in the area.
Referring to surveys, Miria said the areas contain huge oil deposits and lime.
“How come these Balaalo target land where there are minerals? They occupied land in Bulisa, which has oil deposits. Previously, they moved up to the Rhino Basin in Nebbi district, which also has oil deposits and now Akokoro. How do they identify these rich areas?†she asked.
Meanwhile, the Police have beefed up security at Maruzi Ranch, in Akokoro and Ibuje sub-counties in Apac district, to facilitate a peaceful movement of the Balaalo pastoralists in the area.
The district Police chief, Peter Max Sirikye, yesterday said about 60 Police officers had been deployed in Akokoro sub-county.
He added that other officers had been deployed at Kungu and other fish landing sites in the area.
“The pastoralists are a problem to the farmers,†said Sirikye, adding that they should seek permission from the district authorities to take their cattle to the Government ranch.
Sirikye asked the Police officers to behave professionally when handling the herdsmen.