Balalo herdsmen have been given a 14-day ultimatum to leave Northern Uganda or face forced eviction, as announced by State Minister for Northern Uganda, Keneth Omona.

During a press briefing in Gulu city on Friday, Omona stated that the President has issued fresh orders for the removal of migrant cattle keepers, with security agencies tasked with carrying out the eviction.

The directive follows a quarantine imposed by the Ministry of Agriculture due to an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the cattle corridor.

Omona emphasized that the affected herdsmen must begin leaving immediately and are expected to vacate voluntarily.

Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, disclosed that previous eviction efforts were marred by allegations of security personnel and political leaders soliciting bribes from the cattle keepers.

In his executive order, the President mandated that all Balalo in Northern Uganda who have not fenced their land or met the necessary requirements for cattle farming must be evicted without delay, starting November 24, 2024.