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President Yoweri Museveni to consult with landowners before implementing the eviction of balalo, nomadic cattle herders, in Acholi. The President extended the eviction deadline to gain more insight into the situation on the ground, as some Acholi leaders support balalo’s economic benefits, while others advocate for their removal due to issues with mistreatment and damage to local communities.

President Yoweri Museveni has provided an assurance to the leaders of Acholi that he will engage with landowners prior to the execution of the eviction of balalo, who are nomadic cattle herders.

This revelation was made on Wednesday 18^th October, 2023 during his meeting with 39 Acholi leaders, led by Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, at State House Entebbe. The meeting focused on the challenges faced by the Acholi community in accommodating balalo in their land.

Among the dignitaries present at the meeting with the President were Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Hillary Onek, Foreign Affairs Minister Henry Okello Oryem, and Minister of State for northern Uganda Grace Freedom Kwiyu Cwiny. Additionally, Members of Parliament from Acholi, Anthony Akol and Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, LC5 chairpersons of Amuru, Lamwo, and Nwoya districts, cultural chiefs, LC3 chairpersons from areas hosting balalo, and other community representatives attended.

On May 19, 2023, the President extended the deadline for the eviction of balalo to September 30, 2023, after temporarily suspending the implementation of Executive Order 3, 2023, for the eviction of balalo from Acholi land. However, on September 30, 2023, he further extended the eviction, citing the need to thoroughly examine the report provided to him.

Antony Akol, MP Kilak North, chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group, and vice-chairperson for the verification of balalo in Acholi, conveyed that the President assured them of his intent to visit Acholi, assess the on-ground issues, and arrive at a decision.

Akol also mentioned that while they firmly expressed their desire to see balalo depart from Acholi due to reported mistreatment of the Acholi people and the damage caused to their gardens, the President was expected to meet another group from Acholi on Thursday. This group, led by Jack Pen Mogi, advocates the benefits of balalo, including their economic contributions and upliftment of people from poverty.

Amuru LC5 chairperson Michael Lakony noted that they had requested the President to fully enforce the eviction of balalo from Acholi land, as their presence was posing risks to local communities and causing numerous issues.

Furthermore, Lamwo RDC Geoffrey Osborn Oceng expressed gratitude to the President for engaging with the Acholi elders, revealing that the eviction order for balalo had been extended to November 15, 2023. This extension would allow the President to personally assess the challenges faced by the Acholi people in accommodating balalo, as raised by Acholi elders.