The Balalo-Acholi conflict in Uganda is far more than a disagreement over cattle or communal land. In reality, it highlights long-standing failures in land policy, governance, and rural development. Across northern Uganda, tensions between the Acholi community and the Balaalo pastoralists continue to intensify.
For years, Acholi leaders have argued that Balaalo herders are illegal migrants who disrupt farming activities and undermine recovery in the war-affected region. Consequently, they have taken their grievances to the highest levels—Parliament, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the President—demanding urgent action.
In response, President Museveni has issued several directives. Notably, in 2021, he referred to the Balaalo as “illegal migrants” in a letter to the Prime Minister, citing their cattle as a major source of conflict. This echoed a similar 2017 order to evict all unfenced herders. Then, during a 2023 visit to Amuru District, Museveni reiterated his demand for all Balaalo grazing without fences to vacate within three weeks.
However, shortly after that speech, Museveni posted on X (formerly Twitter) in a tone that appeared to soften his position. As a result, many were left confused. The Government Citizen Interaction Centre summarized public complaints—cattle damaging crops, fencing off paths, and water shortages. Surprisingly, land ownership was listed only as the fifth concern. Museveni insisted that land legality was “not the immediate irritant.”
This shift in framing raised eyebrows. While the President downplayed land issues, community leaders insisted otherwise. In truth, the Balalo-Acholi conflict in Uganda cannot be understood without addressing land insecurity. According to land rights scholar Martin Adams, over 70% of the world’s land lacks clear legal title. Uganda follows that trend, with unresolved land boundaries and unclear ownership fueling disputes.
Moreover, Acholi people view land not just as an economic asset but as a cultural inheritance. Therefore, their resistance to the Balaalo is both legal and emotional. Unfortunately, this clashes with Uganda’s constitutional right to settle anywhere in the country. Still, the government maintains that land is not the central issue.
Nonetheless, deeper problems persist. Land in northern Uganda has undergone a transformation, with commercialization rising. Wealthy individuals—commonly called land grabbers—have acquired vast tracts of land, often ignoring local customs. In this context, the Balaalo are seen not just as herders, but as part of a broader socioeconomic threat involving inequality, marginalization, and the scars of war.
Despite previous evictions, the conflict remains unresolved. In fact, in 2023, 131 cattle keepers returned to districts like Amuru, Gulu, and Nwoya, bringing over 427,000 cattle. This happened just two years after they were ordered to leave. Clearly, enforcement is weak. Furthermore, some researchers argue that the Balaalo migration is not new. What has changed is the level of political and media attention.
Alarmingly, there are now reports of increasing access to firearms in affected regions. This suggests that powerful actors may be arming groups to push their interests. Additionally, some Balaalo have reportedly become part of a new elite. These individuals aggressively acquire land, aiming to expand their economic and political control.
Given this complex backdrop, the government must ask an urgent question: Can Uganda integrate pastoralism into its economic plan without worsening social tension? On their own, fencing laws and eviction orders may inflame rather than calm the situation. Thus, policymakers need to take a more comprehensive approach.
Importantly, the Balalo-Acholi conflict in Uganda is not just a northern problem. It reflects the broader cracks in Uganda’s land governance. Traditional land systems and modern commercial practices often clash. Meanwhile, executive orders come and go, with little long-term impact.
To truly resolve the conflict, Uganda needs more than short-term directives. Instead, the country must craft a comprehensive, inclusive, and enforceable land policy. This policy must involve all stakeholders—local leaders, pastoralists, civil society, and government institutions. It must protect both customary rights and national development goals.
In conclusion, the Balalo-Acholi conflict in Uganda highlights the urgency of land reform, transparent governance, and inclusive dialogue. Without these, such disputes will continue to threaten not just regional peace, but Uganda’s overall stability.
