Gulu City, Uganda: After over a week since the deadline for Balalo herdsmen to leave northern Uganda expired, tension is rising in the Acholi sub-region. Local leaders and residents are demanding answers and pointing fingers. Many believe some Acholi leaders have been bribed to stay silent, allowing the Balaalo to remain on land they were ordered to vacate.
President Museveni’s Executive Order No. 3 gave the Balalo herders two weeks to vacate northern Uganda or face forceful eviction. That deadline passed on June 5, 2025. But to date, no evictions have taken place, and government officials who once vowed swift enforcement have gone quiet.
“This silence is suspicious,” said Hon. Gilbert Olanya, MP for Kilak South, “When the President first gave the order under Minister Grace Kwiyucwiny, we welcomed it. Again, when Dr. Kenneth Omona took over and issued the same directive, we were ready. The community, the army, and local leaders were all on board. But now, no one is talking. We believe some of our own leaders were bribed to go silent.”
Mr Olanya criticized the President, saying he has often made promises to please the Acholi people but rarely follows through. “Museveni is a man of words but not action, especially when it concerns Acholi. He speaks to impress us but helps those who destroy our land behind our backs.”
According to the Kilak MP, the impact of the Balalo has been devastating. “They’ve brought poverty. Our people plant crops, and their animals destroy them. Our land is being degraded. This is a deliberate move to make Acholi land unproductive.”
He warned that if the government continues to delay, the people will take matters into their own hands. “We will mobilize village by village, parish by parish. If the government lacks the will or manpower, we will help implement the order ourselves.”
Adding to the confusion is the absence of Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Museveni’s son, who was expected to launch the forceful eviction in Gulu last Saturday. He did not show up. Though he is expected in Gulu again tomorrow (Thursday), it remains unclear if he will lead the eviction process.
Brigadier General Felix Busizori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division in Gulu, told journalists by phone that no operation had begun because the army is “still preparing logistics.” He did not give a specific timeline.
Acholi cultural leaders have also voiced deep concern. Rwot Otinga Otto-Yai, the Deputy Paramount Chief of Acholi, said Balalo’s claims of owning land are false.
“Acholi land is customary. It belongs to the clans. You can only buy land after consulting the clan and the chief. If that hasn’t been done, any purchase is illegal.”
Rwot Otto-Yai warned that if the Balalo don’t leave within a month, the Acholi people will act. “We are giving them one month. If they are still here, we will remove them. This matter is sensitive; it could lead to rebellion like the Lamogi Revolt. Our land is for future generations. We must protect it.”
Lawyer Eric Lajul said the President’s directive lacks legal weight. “There’s no enforcement mechanism. A statement from the President doesn’t equal a law. That’s why some people are using it to manipulate the system for personal gain.”
While many Acholi leaders are united in demanding immediate eviction, a few voices have emerged defending the Balalo. Charles Onenacan from Nwoya and Charles Ocitti from the Jowa Landowners Association argued that not all Balalo are illegal and called for verification before any eviction.
But Hon. Olanya and other leaders insist that these voices are misleading the public. “They are speaking for their own stomachs. They have been bribed. Acholi land is not for sale. Those helping the Balalo will be exposed, and we will show our anger at the ballot box.”
Balalo spokesperson Bestwell Katunka Kasaiza, speaking from Amuru District, said the herders want to be given time. “The deadline passed, but no one has told us to leave. We’re waiting, but we don’t know what’s happening.”
As uncertainty and tension grow in the north, one message from Acholi is clear: the people feel betrayed, their land is under threat, and they are ready to act, with or without government support.
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