Taban Data Peter, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Adjumani, has urged the Balaloo community to cooperate peacefully with the ongoing 65-day eviction exercise, which is aimed at relocating pastoralists from northern Uganda in accordance with Presidential Executive Order.
Speaking to the media, RDC Taban emphasised that the operation, which is being coordinated by security teams throughout the region, is not intended to target any particular group unfairly, but rather to restore order and reduce land-related conflicts between local farmers and migrating cattle keepers.
“This morning, we have entered the 5th day of operation harmony which is to see to it that the balaloos return their animals back. We started on 20th by sensitization up to 25th and then on the 25th, we started the program where we have moved to the parishes, and sub counties of Itirikwa, Ukusijoni, Adropi.
Security teams later moved to Pakele. “This is a process of organizing all these balaloos to prepare to return their animals,” said Taban.
“It is operation harmony and because it is of harmony, it is very peaceful and I’m happy that they are complying. Many have started loading their animals and peacefully taking them back. I, therefore, want to call upon those who are still sleeping that we are moving to inform you to park and move.”
The RDC assured the public that the eviction process will be conducted respectfully and lawfully, with emphasis on dialogue and understanding. He urged local leaders, elders, and youth to remain calm and avoid acts of provocation or violence during the exercise.
“So, I’m calling upon residents to be peaceful and allow these people move with their animals quietly. There should be no way of attacks, no way of stealing these animals because we are one people. This is one of the pieces of information I want to pass to the Balaloo and also to our people of Adjumani
He further acknowledged that some of the Balaloo groups had already started voluntarily moving their cattle, and encouraged others to follow suit to avoid inconveniences such as forceful removal, confiscation of livestock, or arrest.
The RDC concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting all Ugandans, both locals and migrants, and urging communities to report any instances of abuse or noncompliance during the exercise.
“Here, I want to be very clear that we are not chasing the Balaloo, but we are chasing the animals. So, the Mulalo is free to continue with his works in the gardens rather than keeping the animals.”
The 65-day eviction period is expected to end in mid-August, marking a significant step towards resolving long-standing land disputes and cattle-related conflicts throughout the northern region.
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