Leaders in Napak and Katakwi districts are raising concerns over an influx of Balalo herdsmen, whose cattle are destroying community gardens, sparking fears of conflict.
The herdsmen are reported to have occupied parts of Poron and Apeitolim sub-counties in Napak, bordering Kapelebyong District, and Ongongoja Sub-county in Katakwi.
In Poron Sub-county, Napak, the Balalo have reportedly covered the entire Koblin Parish, an area dominated by crop farming.
Authorities say brewing tensions are mounting as residents accuse local leaders of failing to evict the herdsmen despite Presidential Executive Orders No. 2 and 3 regulating their movement.
Julius Awas, a resident of Poron Sub-county, says that the herdsmen began arriving in December last year.
He adds that the herdsmen have driven cattle into pasture the community had preserved for the dry season, worsening fears over scarce resources.
Napak District LC5 Chairperson John Paul Kodet says about 13 families of herdsmen have entered Napak with over 1,000 head of cattle.
Presidential Executive Orders No. 2 and 3, issued in 2023, require Balalo herdsmen to obtain clearance from both the district of origin and the host district, fence off grazing land, and ensure access to water before moving cattle.
The orders followed similar tensions in Northern and Eastern Uganda.
By URN
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