Balaalo Cattle Keepers Sue Government Over Eviction Order, Citing Lack of Due Process

Over 300 Balaalo cattle keepers have filed a lawsuit against the Ugandan government, challenging a recent eviction directive from Northern Uganda that they argue was issued without a prior verification process to determine legitimate land ownership or settlement status.

The application, lodged before the Civil Division of the High Court in Kampala on Tuesday, states that the lawsuit is a response to the renewed enforcement of an executive order first issued by President Yoweri Museveni in May 2023. This order called for the eviction of pastoralists, primarily the Balaalo, accused of illegally occupying land, failing to fence their farms, and damaging community livelihoods. After a temporary pause for regulatory checks, the eviction drive resumed in 2025.

Among the applicants are Franco Namanya, John Ssenyonga Gonzaga, Steven Bugingo, Rudasingwa Dennis Joshua, Mugundu Yowasi, Joy Mbabazi, James Kamugisha, Geoffrey Murangira, Sam Kigambo, Peter Tumusiime, and Benon Muchomboro, among others.

The cattle keepers claim they face a looming deadline of June 25, 2025, to vacate the region or face forceful removal. This ultimatum was reportedly issued by Major General Felix Busizoori, Commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division, and supported by Police Commissioner Ocaya Phillip. They also cite a 14-day ultimatum allegedly issued by Dr. Kenneth Omona, Minister in charge of Northern Uganda, without prior consultation or legal hearings.

Represented by Mwesigwa Rukutana and Company Advocates, the Balaalo contend that the enforcement is being conducted without due process, thus violating their constitutional rights to property, fair hearing, and freedom of movement. They assert that no verification exercise has been carried out to ascertain whether they are lawful settlers, despite many having made significant investments in the region.

The affected cattle keepers report living peacefully among local communities and establishing permanent infrastructure, including fencing, water points, dip tanks, and homes. They further claim to pay local taxes and contribute to the regional economy through livestock trade and milk production. According to court documents, more than 400,000 head of cattle could be affected by these evictions, potentially disrupting local markets and livelihoods.

The applicants argue that the directive unfairly targets them based on ethnicity, while other groups engaged in similar animal husbandry arrangements have not been subjected to eviction.

The cattle keepers are now seeking a High Court injunction to halt the eviction process pending a judicial review of the legality and fairness of the directive. Court records indicate that the eviction order was made before verification of the cattle keepers’ proprietary and possessory interests in land had been completed.

The applicants argue that the order was issued without any consultations and without allowing the Balaalo to explain how they acquired their land interests, or to demonstrate compliance with conditions set in the previous Executive Order Number 3 of 2023, or to present Certificates of Compliance issued by relevant authorities and signed by the Minister.

“The Applicants are aggrieved by the above directives and state that they infringe or threaten to infringe on their fundamental and other human rights and freedoms, as they violate the following Articles of the Constitution,” reads the court document.

Through their lawyers, Mwesigwa Rukutana, Brian Rubaihayo, and Edgar Ayebazibwe, the applicants are seeking court intervention to protect their rights. They request an injunction directing authorities to cease evicting them from the land until a thorough verification process is conducted. They also want the court to remind authorities to respect their fundamental rights, including the right to a fair hearing, the property right, and the freedom of movement and settlement. Additionally, they are asking for any further protection the court deems necessary to safeguard their rights and freedoms.

The Attorney General, listed as the sole respondent in the case, has yet to be summoned to file the government’s defence. The matter is also yet to be fixed for hearing before a High Court Judge.