The Deputy Defence Spokesperson and Co-ordinator Communications for operation “Operation Harmony” an operation coined to evict illegal pastoralists from northern Uganda Under presidential executive order number 3, Colonel Deo Akiiki has urged all nomadic pastoralists commonly known as “Balaalo” to comply with the provisions and rules of Executive Order No. 3 as instructed by the President of the Republic of Uganda H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The call was made as the implementation committee headed by Gulu RDC visited two cattle farms in Palaro Sub-County in Gulu district.
Col.Akiiki said that the operation was to check on compliance and evict those who have not complied with the presidential directive adding that the ultimatum passed a long time ago and what is being done now is forceful eviction.
“We have not come here today to tell them to comply because their time is done. For those who didn’t comply, the rule is clear; cows are confiscated, given 3 days to either take them away from this area or sell them,” said Col Akiiki. He added that, in the worst-case scenario an auction order shall be got to sell the cows by public auction.
He also urged people to desist from environmental degradation, especially by cutting trees for charcoal burning which is also included in the Executive Order of the President.
The District Veterinary Officer, Mr. Alfred Opiyo said that as the district leadership, they decided that cattle for the non-compliant will be moved to the livestock market at Corner Adde which is a government facility and currently holding over 416 heads of cattle.
He added that since the operation began, they have moved 258 cattle across Karuma escorted by the UPDF and Police.
The provisions and rules of Executive Order No. 3 include the following;Four (4) Strands of barbed wire fencing of the firm lands/kraals for cattle and chain link for goats and sheep One square mile to accommodate only 250 heads of cattle, fencing must be all-around,no livestock allowed on government land and kraals must have water inside the fenced land.
Even if one bought land or is leasing but does not comply with the standards, animals shall be confiscated but only returned when he meets those standards.
The participants in the operation included; Officers from the 4 Infantry Division headed by Brig Gen Mike Kabango, his Division Operations and Training officer Lt Col Innocent Tukamushaba, Representatives from the Uganda Police Force, District leaders, and Local Leaders of Gulu district among others.