Over 300 herds of cattle remain stranded at government holding grounds in Agwack Subcounty, Nebbi District after herdsmen refused to comply with President Museveni’s Executive Order No. 2, which demands the eviction of unregulated migrant cattle herders.
The order, signed by President Yoweri Museveni on 1st June, 2025, and implemented from June 25, seeks to reduce land conflicts, crop destruction, and community tensions by regulating the movement and settlement of migrant pastoralists.
According to William Abedican, the District Veterinary Officer (DVO) for Nebbi, the Balaalo have failed to transport their cattle from the holding grounds, which are now overcrowded.
“It has become squeezed to accommodate more animals, while some Balaalo are hiding in the community with their herds for fear of eviction,” Abedican stated.
Robert Abak, the Resident District Commissioner of Nebbi and head of the Executive Order No. 2 operations in the district, confirmed that two holding grounds have been opened in Agwack Subcounty to manage the impounded animals.
However, while the government emphasizes the eviction is necessary to protect community land rights and maintain social harmony, the operation has faced resistance. Some Balaalo herders have filed legal challenges demanding land ownership verification before removal.
Authorities continue to urge for peaceful cooperation to avoid escalation and ensure the order is implemented smoothly and lawfully.
