More than 15,000 cattle farmers have rejected the recent Balaalo eviction Uganda directive. They argue that it stems from tribal bias, political pressure, and misinformation. The pastoralist communities—mainly from West Nile, Acholi, and Lango sub-regions—gathered in Kigumba Town, Kiryandongo District to appeal directly to President Museveni.
These farmers insist they obtained land through legal processes. Many say they should not be treated as land grabbers or outsiders.
Farmers Say Balaalo Eviction Uganda Order Is Unjust
Alex Mwesige, chairperson of the Northern Uganda Commercial Farmers, raised concerns about the eviction. He noted that a large number of farmers hold land titles and official documentation.
“We are law-abiding citizens. Most of our people went through the proper channels to obtain land and have documents to prove it,” said Mwesige.
He criticized the use of the term “Balaalo” to describe all cattle keepers, stating that it unfairly stigmatizes them.
“Balaalo means someone who follows their cows. If Acholi own cows, they too would be Balaalo. This term should not be used to isolate any ethnic group,” he said.
Livestock Farmers Highlight Economic Contribution
Mwesige defended the group’s economic value. He said cattle farmers pay taxes, employ locals, and contribute to district development. According to him, removing them disrupts livelihoods that benefit the broader region.
The controversy adds to ongoing debates about rural land use. Earlier this year, the government introduced reforms targeting landlord practices, such as changes to how absentee landowners collect Busuulu payments.
Eviction Without Resettlement Risks Crisis
Sophia Natukunda from Acholi said her community complied with earlier instructions by demarcating land and stopping crop farming. Now, she worries that displacement will leave families food insecure.
“Now we are being told to vacate without any resettlement plan. Our families are at risk of famine,” she warned.
In Atiak Sub-county, Amuru District, Dominic Savior said residents who followed legal guidelines now face unfair removal.
“We did everything the authorities asked us to do. Now we’re being told to leave. Where should we go?” he asked.
Balaalo Eviction Uganda Threatens Dairy Industry
Geoffrey Mwiine, who owns 318 acres in Lakang Sub-county, urged officials to verify land records before enforcing evictions. He warned that blanket actions will harm legal settlers.
Edward Tumwesigye Kananura has lived in Amuru since 2014. He owns over 200 acres, keeps 500 cattle, and produces about 10,000 litres of milk daily. He said forced eviction would collapse his operations.
“Evicting us harshly without any alternative plan is unacceptable,” Kananura said.
Eviction Could Spark National Economic Fallout
The Balaalo eviction Uganda directive could displace more than 10,000 people and affect over a million cattle. Farmers warn of a looming humanitarian and economic crisis.
Recent nationwide concerns over land and tax policies have also sparked protests. Landlords, for instance, recently voiced opposition to monthly EFRIS receipt obligations imposed on rental income.
Footage from the farmers’ meeting in Kigumba and their appeal to government officials is featured in a YouTube report. The video captures their frustrations and concerns about the lack of a resettlement plan.
Related context: A recent policy change has eased Busuulu payment for absentee landlord cases, offering relief to smallholder tenants across Uganda. Meanwhile, Ugandan landlords protested the EFRIS tax policy, citing bureaucratic overload and rising business costs. A YouTube video report documented the Balaalo community’s live plea for reconsideration of the presidential eviction order.
