By Mike Rwothomio

In a significant step toward resolving longstanding land and resource disputes in Northern Uganda, authorities have successfully facilitated the relocation of 154 herds of cattle from holding grounds in Madi-Okollo District, West Nile, as part of the ongoing Operation Harmony.

The operation, guided by President Yoweri Museveni’s Executive Order, aims to address conflicts arising from unregulated cattle grazing by Balaalo herdsmen in Northern, North-Western, and Eastern Uganda.

Currently, only 39 cattle remain pending transit, with arrangements in place to escort them safely to Karuma.

Operation Harmony, a 65-day initiative launched on June 25, 2025, reflects a collaborative approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing peaceful compliance with the presidential directive.

The operation seeks to mitigate tensions caused by the Balaalo herdsmen’s practices, including crop destruction and unauthorized land use, which have fueled disputes with local farming communities.

Some of the herds being escorted out of Madi-Okolo District.

President Museveni’s executive order bans free-range grazing in these regions, citing its detrimental impact on food security, communal land rights, and social harmony. The directive mandates that all Balaalo cattle be removed from the affected areas, with a verification committee to audit land ownership claims only after the relocation is complete.

SP Collins Asea, the North and West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed that Operation Harmony is proceeding smoothly under the strict supervision of multi-stakeholder groups, including District Security Committees, local community leaders, district veterinary officers, and representatives from the National Forestry Authority, Uganda Wildlife Authority, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

This inclusive approach ensures transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law, fostering trust among all parties involved.

The operation extends beyond Madi-Okollo to other districts in the West Nile and North-West Nile regions, with ongoing efforts to safeguard the rights and security of both residents and herders.

In his latest statement on July 6, 2025, President Museveni addressed criticisms of the executive order, emphasizing that the directive is not rooted in ethnic bias but in the need to restore order and protect livelihoods.

He highlighted specific issues, including the lack of fenced grazing areas, the absence of permanent water sources, and the blocking of community access to resources like the River Nile, which have exacerbated conflicts.

Museveni stressed that these practices, particularly crop destruction, undermine national unity and are “criminal and unfair to local farmers.” He also directed the Attorney General to draft legislation criminalizing unregulated free-range grazing to prevent future disputes.

The President underscored the importance of a structured resolution process, noting that a committee will verify claims of lawful land ownership only after all cattle are relocated, thereby reducing tensions that could hinder fair assessments.

The Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) are working in tandem to ensure the operation remains peaceful, with exit permits provided along designated routes, such as Karuma Bridge.

Thousands of cattle have already been voluntarily relocated from the Acholi and West Nile sub-regions, demonstrating significant compliance.

Authorities express gratitude for the cooperation of all stakeholders, including local communities, herders, and cultural institutions, in supporting this mediated process.

Police say Updates on Operation Harmony will continue to be provided as the initiative progresses, with a commitment to maintaining peace, resolving disputes equitably, and fostering sustainable coexistence in the region.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa