Deputy Defence spokesperson urges compliance with eviction orders for illegal pastoralists

Colonel Deo Akiiki, the Deputy Defence Spokesperson and Coordinator of Communications for “Operation Harmony,” established to evict illegal pastoralists from northern Uganda under Presidential Executive Order Number 3, has called on nomadic pastoralists, commonly known as “Balaalo,” to adhere to the stipulations and vacate the area.

Col Akiiki conveyed this message during a visit to two cattle farms in Palaro Sub-county, Gulu district, by the implementation committee led by Gulu RDC. He emphasized that the operation aims to assess compliance and remove those who have not adhered to the presidential directive. Col Akiiki stressed that the ultimatum had already passed, and the current actions involve forceful eviction.

“We have not come here today to tell them to comply because their time is done. For those who didn’t comply, the rule is clear; cows are confiscated, given 3 days to either take them away from this area or sell them,” said Col Akiiki. In extreme cases, he mentioned seeking an order to auction the cows publicly.

Additionally, Col Akiiki urged people to refrain from environmental degradation, especially cutting trees for charcoal burning, which is also covered in the President’s Executive Order.

Mr. Alfred Opiyo, the District Veterinary Officer, explained that non-compliant cattle would be moved to the government facility at Corner Adde livestock market, currently holding over 416 heads of cattle. Since the operation began, 258 cattle have been relocated across Karuma, escorted by the UPDF and Police.

During the operation, one individual caught cutting trees was apprehended and handed over to the police. Executive Order No. 3 outlines specific provisions and rules, including barbed wire fencing, land limitations, and water facilities within kraals.

Key participants in the operation included officers from the 4 Infantry Division, led by Brig Gen Mike Kabango, Division Operations and Training Officer Lt Col Innocent Tumamushaba, representatives from the Uganda Police Force, district leaders, and local leaders of Gulu district, among others.

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