State Minister for Northern Uganda Beatrice Akello Akori has accused some residents in the Acholi Sub-region of facilitating the return of Balaalo cattle keepers, despite ongoing government efforts to enforce the eviction of herders from the area.
Akori made the remarks on Friday while addressing a prayer breakfast organized by Favour of God Ministries.
The minister said she had received information indicating that some individuals from the Acholi Sub-region allegedly helped the Balaalo return during a period when many leaders and residents were preoccupied with political campaigns.
“I received information that while people were busy with campaigns, some individuals facilitated the return of the Balaalo to Acholi,” Akori said.
She commended the security agencies for implementing the government’s directives, noting that approximately 67,000 head of cattle had been removed from the Acholi Sub-region as part of the enforcement exercise.
Akori argued that continued collaboration between some local residents and the herders undermines government efforts to resolve the long-standing disputes over land use and cattle grazing in Northern Uganda.
She pledged to continue implementing Executive Order No. 3 without fear or favour, emphasizing that the directive remains in force.
“I will implement Executive Order No. 3 as it is. We must ensure that the President’s directive is fully enforced,” she said.
Executive Order No. 3, issued by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, outlines measures aimed at addressing illegal cattle grazing, protecting the environment, preventing cattle-related conflicts, and strengthening law enforcement in the affected areas. The directive also required cattle keepers who did not meet the stipulated conditions to leave Northern Uganda.
The presence of Balaalo cattle keepers in parts of Northern Uganda has remained a contentious issue for several years, with local leaders and communities expressing concerns over land ownership, crop destruction, and tensions between herders and residents.
Government has maintained that the executive order is intended to restore order, protect local livelihoods, and promote peaceful coexistence in the region.
