More than 15,000 cattle herders in northern Uganda are calling on President Yoweri Museveni to cancel a recent order forcing them to leave the region. The pastoralists, often called Balaalo, say the eviction notice is unfair and could destroy livelihoods built over many years.

At a tense meeting in Kiryandongo District, farmers from West Nile, Lango, and Acholi regions shared their frustrations. They argued they legally own the land they use and contribute significantly to local economies through taxes and jobs. Calling them “land grabbers,” they said, is both wrong and harmful.

“We followed all the rules to get this land properly,” said Alex Mwesige, who leads a group of northern Uganda farmers. “Now we’re being told to leave because of tribal politics and lies. This isn’t justice.”

The term Balaalo itself has become part of the dispute. While it simply means cattle herders in some languages, many feel it’s being used as an insult against them. “If an Acholi person keeps cows, they’re also Balaalo,” Mwesige pointed out. “This name shouldn’t be used to target people.”

Farmers shared emotional stories of how the evictions would hurt their families. Sophia Natukunda from Acholi explained how her community switched from growing crops to raising cattle after government advice. “Now they want to chase us away with no plan for where we’ll go or how we’ll eat,” she said.

Others emphasized their economic contributions. Edward Tumwesigye Kananura, who runs a large farm in Amuru, produces 10,000 liters of milk daily and pays local taxes. “If they force us out suddenly, it won’t just hurt us—it will damage the whole area’s economy,” he warned.

The eviction order could affect over 10,000 people and more than a million cows. Without careful planning, the situation might create both a humanitarian crisis and economic problems across northern Uganda.

As the deadline approaches, the cattle keepers hope President Museveni will reconsider. They’re asking for fair treatment and proof of any wrongdoing before losing their homes and livelihoods. For now, they wait nervously, unsure whether they’ll be forced to abandon the lives they’ve built.

The dispute highlights deeper tensions over land use and identity in Uganda’s north. How the government responds could set important precedents for balancing economic development, ethnic relations, and property rights in rural areas. With so much at stake, all sides are watching closely as the situation develops.