The Uganda Police Force has reminded the Balalo in Northern Uganda of the presidential directive given to them to leave the region within 3 weeks.
The reminder was made in a statement by SCP Namutebi Hadija, the Chief Political Commissar, on behalf of Uganda Police, on November 22, 2023.
“The President of the Republic of Uganda issued a directive on November 3, 2023, in which an ultimatum was given to the Balalo with unfenced farms in Northern Uganda to quit the region within 3 weeks,” Namutebi said.
She warned that after the expiration of the grace period, the police and other stakeholders will go ahead and implement the directives.
“We would like to warn all those who have not complied with the set guidelines to do so in the remaining days,” Namutebi said.
On November 3, 2023, the President of Uganda met with leaders from the Acholi sub-region in Amuru district to discuss the issue of the nomadic pastoralists (Balalo).
During the meeting, the President directed the UPDF Division Commander, RPC, and the Minister for Northern Uganda to ensure that anybody with cows in an unfenced area in the Acholi, Lango, and West Nile sub-regions leaves immediately or in a period not later than 3 weeks from then.
He promised to hold further discussions at a later date with the two groups (those aligned with Executive Order No. 3 and those who are not) on the issue of ownership and renting in the region.
The President also advised persons engaged in practices that are not compatible with the traditional norms of the Acholi community to desist with immediate effect.
President Museveni added that whoever was occupying government land in Aswa Ranch, Lakang, land acquired for the Madvhani group, among others, must leave with immediate effect or in a period not later than 3 weeks from then.
The three-week grace period will end on Saturday, November 25, 2023.