By Our Reporter 

Kapelebyong District - Tensions are mounting in Northern and Eastern Uganda as communities and local leaders accuse Balalo pastoralists of defying Presidential Executive Order No. 2 of 2025, which bans their movement, settlement, and grazing in the region.

District and subcounty leaders say the continued presence of the herdsmen has led to widespread destruction of gardens and trespass on customary land. In some areas, more than 500 head of cattle have been reported, sparking conflict with local farmers.

The LC5 Chairperson of Kapelebyong District, Francis Akorikin, noted in a letter dated September 4, 2025, that his decision to act alongside the community followed the failure of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) to develop an exit plan for the pastoralists, despite an earlier letter dated August 14, 2025.

“No Balalo will be allowed to trespass on people’s customary land and destroy their gardens. The presidential order is clear, and it must be respected,” Akorikin said.

Local council leaders have echoed the frustrations of their communities. Petuwa Anyajo, Councilor for Akileng Parish in Alito Subcounty, stressed that leaders cannot impose what people have outrightly rejected. Robert Ongareno, LC3 Chairperson of Alito Subcounty, reported that more than 500 cattle had entered his area, while Moses Ocen, the NRM Subcounty Chairperson, condemned the actions of the pastoralists, describing them as unacceptable.

At the grassroots, residents have documented significant losses. Okello Angai, LC1 Chairperson of Akilenga Village, said more than 15 gardens of crops had been destroyed by Balalo herdsmen. In Kaidero Village, LC1 Chairperson Simon Ejiku reported that about 200 cattle were grazing in the area, destroying at least 75 gardens.

Community members such as Lucy Akaro and Grace Atai accused the Balalo of repeatedly trespassing on their customary land and ignoring the President’s directive, leaving families struggling to protect their livelihoods.

The growing frustration has fueled calls for stricter enforcement of the presidential order. Local leaders argue that the presence of the Balalo undermines peace, food security, and land rights, warning that unless urgent action is taken, tensions between farmers and pastoralists will continue to escalate.