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The Implementation of Executive Order Number 3 is set to resume in Northern Uganda once the government lifts animal quarantine in some parts of the country, State Minister for Northern Uganda, Dr. Kenneth Omona has revealed.

Executive Order No.3 was issued by President Museveni in May last year and aimed at addressing complaints of illegal land acquisition by Migrant cattle keepers also commonly known as Balaalo and abetting environmental injustices in Northern Uganda.

Its implementation commenced in November last year, but the exercise stalled early this year in several districts in the region.

Dr. Omona told stakeholders at a meeting in Gulu City Friday that the national quarantine imposed on animal movement by the Ministry of Agriculture following the outbreak of FMD in more than 20 districts affected the eviction exercise.

In February this year, the Ministry of Agriculture imposed quarantine in several districts after an outbreak of FMD to curb the spread of the highly contagious disease that affects cloven hoof animals.

Omona however assured local leaders in Northern Uganda that Executive Order No. 3 still stands and would immediately resume once the government lifted the quarantine on the movement of animals.

Without disclosing the exact date and month, Omona noted that President Museveni is expected to meet with the technical team in the implementation of Executive Order No.3 in the region soon.

But Anthony Akol, the Kilak North Member of Parliament says while the government claims the eviction of balaalo stalled over the FMD outbreak, several trucks carrying cattle are still moving out of the region. 

Akol said the government needs to come out clear on what he describes as double standards in stopping the eviction of the migrant cattle keepers but allowing their animals to move to the markets despite quarantine. 

According to statistics provided by the government, by November last year, there were an estimated 8,000 noncompliant migrant cattle keepers illegally occupying lands in Northern Uganda.

During the stakeholders’ engagement meeting which attracted various stakeholders from Acholi, Bukedi, Lango, West Nile, and Elgon, leaders presented cross-cutting concerns that have left Northern Uganda in abject poverty which calls for urgent intervention from the government.

The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development poverty status report 2021 released in February last year ranks the North among the poorest regions in the country with Acholi taking the lead followed by the Karamoja region.

Emmanuel Orach, the Nwoya District Chairperson highlighted pressing challenges in the areas of the slow success of the Presidential four-acre model initiative, human-wildlife conflicts in areas bordering National Parks, and the high cost of land opening for farmers. Orach also noted there is a need to build the capacity of farmers in value addition to cut down the loss of revenue to middlemen.

Dr. Omona acknowledged that Northern Uganda’s poverty status is alarming and urged stakeholders such as religious and cultural leaders to join hands with the government in fighting the vice.

He, however, suggested that the government ought to introduce perennial cash crops for Northern Uganda like other regions in the country where the government is investing and promoting the growing of tea and coffee.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja who officiated the stakeholder’s meeting assured the leaders that the government is committed to ensuring the affirmative action programs for Northern Uganda remain a top priority in addressing poverty.

She also noted that the government is currently in the process of reintroducing the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund Phase Four (NUSAF4) will only target livelihood instead of infrastructure like NUSAF Phase 3.

According to the government, NUSAF 4 will be rolled out in July this year to the tune of US$ 250 million as a loan and US$ 40 million as a grant for over five years aimed at providing a lifeline for the over 39 percent of the region’s population living in poverty.

NUSAF 4 will support a total of 4,064 parishes, 667,000 households, and 31 million beneficiaries with expected 21,000 self-employment enterprises expected to be created for youth beneficiaries.

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Gov’t Waits for Clearance on Cattle Movement to Resume Balaalo Eviction

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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice

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A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.

Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice

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NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests

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National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”

NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests

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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum

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Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.

Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum

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