By Lodu William Odiya
Kajo-Keji County Commissioner, Wani Jackson Mule has on Monday handed-over three hundred cattle to authorities in Uganda’s Moyo District.
According to office of the county commissioner, the cattle belonged to the Balaalu (Nyankole) pastoralists who were repatriated in accordance with Uganda’s Presidential Executive Order No. 2 of 2025, which mandated the eviction of all Balalu cattle keepers from the Northern and West Nile Regions within a 65-day period.
The statement noted that the handover conducted at Gwere military Detach in Lefori Sub- County, Moyo District, imitates robust cross-border collaboration between Kajo-Keji and Moyo local governments.
The move, marked a substantial phase toward addressing long-standing grievances related to illegal grazing and destruction of farmland by the Balaalu community, which has resided in the area since 2014.
Hon. Mule reportedly noted that the persistent presence of the cattle keepers had caused tensions and disrupted peaceful coexistence, citing instances of disrespect toward local communities and poor grazing practices.
Meanwhile, Kajo-Keji County Security Coordinator, Mr. Godfrey Data Rembe, emphasized that the eviction was conducted peacefully and with prior sensitization in line with President Museveni’s Executive order.
It also highlighted that Moyo District Deputy Resident Commissioner Ssekamwa Julian, expressed gratitude to the Government of South Sudan and authorities in Kajo-Keji County acknowledging shared challenges across the border and also stating that similar complaints about the Balaalu community had been reported in both Uganda and South Sudan.
Furthermore, Col. Charles Asiimwe, 503 Brigade Commander, echoed the importance of discipline and cooperation between farmers and cattle keepers.
He noted that the presidential executive order was a response to consistent disregard for regulations by the pastoralists.
The handover was witnessed by senior officials from both countries, including security personnel, liaison officer, and the South Sudan–Uganda military attaché, underscoring the commitment to peaceful resolution and mutual understanding.