President Museveni Condemns Balaalo Pastoralists for Land Misuse and Crop Destruction in Northern Uganda

Growing Tensions Over Grazing Rights and Land Encroachment

Kampala, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern rebuke against the Balaalo pastoralists in Northern, Northwestern, and Eastern Uganda, accusing them of widespread land misuse, illegal occupation, and destruction of crops. The President’s statement, released on Sunday, highlights escalating tensions between migrant herders and local farming communities.

In his address, Museveni condemned the practice of “kwonesa”—a local term describing livestock grazing on cultivated farmlands—as a direct violation of national unity and patriotism. He emphasized that such actions undermine Uganda’s agricultural stability and fuel resentment among affected communities.

Key Violations Outlined by the President

The President outlined several grievances against the Balaalo pastoralists:

• Destruction of Crops: Due to inadequate fencing and lack of permanent water sources, cattle often stray into farmlands, devastating crops.
• Blocking Public Access: Some herders have reportedly fenced off community routes to essential resources like the Nile River.
• Illegal Land Occupation: Accusations include encroachment on government ranches, disrupting planned agricultural projects.

Museveni questioned whether the pastoralists had obtained proper cattle movement permits, urging authorities to enforce stricter checks on livestock relocation to prevent further conflicts.

Legal and Social Implications

Addressing claims of tribal bias, Museveni clarified that his executive orders target lawbreakers, not specific ethnic groups. He cited the example of Adyeeri, a Munyoro fruit farmer in Nwoya District, who operates peacefully within the law.

“Crops do not kwonesa other crops,” Museveni remarked, contrasting the orderly conduct of crop farmers with the disruptions caused by some pastoralists. He acknowledged that while local communities also experience grazing disputes, customary justice mechanisms—such as fining owners of stray cattle—are often undermined when herders arrive with armed military relatives.

Call for Government Intervention

The President stressed the need for decisive action, stating, “It is such arrogance and lawlessness that requires the intervention of the President through an Executive Order.” His statement follows mounting complaints from northern Uganda, where leaders have long decried land grabbing and livelihood destruction by migrant herders.

Full Excerpt from Museveni’s Letter

“Fellow Ugandans, especially the Bazzukulu. Greetings. My social-media manager has drawn my attention to the lies and distortions on social media about the issue of the Balaalo in Northern, Northwestern, and Eastern Uganda. The mistakes by the Balaalo in those areas are the following:

1. Okwonesa (livestock grazing on crops): Is this part of patriotism or the freedom of movement within Uganda?
2. Lack of proper fencing: Many areas lack barbed wire or chain-link barriers, leading to crop destruction.
3. Water shortages: Dry season movements force herders into farmlands, worsening conflicts.
4. Blocking public routes: Careless fencing obstructs access to vital resources like the Nile.
5. Land ownership disputes: Legal questions arise over whether land was communally or privately sold.
6. Permit violations: Authorities must verify cattle movement permits to prevent disease and land misuse.

Northerners also face internal grazing conflicts but resolve them through customary justice. However, some Balaalo, backed by armed relatives, evade accountability—necessitating presidential intervention.”

The growing outcry in northern Uganda underscores the urgent need for policy reforms to balance pastoralist livelihoods with farmers’ rights. As tensions escalate, Museveni’s executive orders aim to restore order while addressing deep-rooted grievances.