President Museveni has said the government will support the development of the dairy industry in the Acholi sub-region, following recent findings indicating the region can economically grow due to dairy production.
He made this remark during a meeting with the leaders from Acholi sub-region and residents of Okidi, Atiak sub-county, while discussing the issue of the Balaalo (nomadic pastorals) in Amuru district on November 3, 2023.
“On the issue of the dairy industry, we are going to promote it. If the Balaalo have shown you that there’s money in milk, now you learn it and copy it, and we shall support you,” Museveni said.
The President then reinforced his directive and ordered Balalo to vacate the Acholi sub-region within 3 weeks, effective November 3, 2023.
In addition, the president asked the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), the Regional Police Commander (RPC), and the State Minister of Northern Uganda Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, to ensure that everyone who owns cattle fences their areas to curb crop destruction.
While addressing the issue of cultural clash, he stated that anyone practicing traditional norms that are not compatible with those of the Catholic community ought to stop immediately.
“Persons engaged in cultural practices that are not compatible with the traditional norms of the Acholi community should desist with immediate effect,” the president said.
Additionally, he stated that anybody, especially the Balalo occupying government land, citing Aswa Ranch, Lakany, and land acquired for the Madvhani group, among others, must vacate immediately.
“They must leave. I give them three weeks to hire trucks and take their cows wherever they take them. I would have confiscated the cows themselves, but let them take their cows, sell them, and do whatever they want to do,” Museveni said.
In an Executive Order dated May 19, 2023, President Museveni banned all Balaalo from Northern Uganda, labeling them as indisciplined and land grabbers.
