Buganda Parliamentary Caucus Raises Concerns Over Displaced Cattle Keepers in Central Region

Members of the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus at a press briefing on Monday expressed concern about the cattle keepers (balaalo) who were evicted from Northern Uganda and are now reportedly camping in the cattle corridors of the Central region.

Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, Chairperson of the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus, highlighted the significant land pressures in the Central region, citing dense population, ongoing land conflicts, and evictions. He emphasized that these challenges should not be compounded by the arrival of the balaalo.

Kivumbi stated, “We have received reports indicating that the balaalo, displaced from Acholi and the greater North, are gradually migrating to districts in the Central region, focusing on Kayunga, Ntenjeru, and the greater cattle corridor.”

“We are closely monitoring this development and intend to tour the suspected route of the cattle exodus to establish the truth,” added Kivumbi, also serving as the Butambala County MP.

He stressed the importance of nomadic communities understanding that nomadism is outdated and unsustainable. “Their primitive behavior, expecting their cattle to have access to all the grass and venturing as far as Alaska for pasture, is unacceptable. We urge them to return to their place of origin.”

While the Central region welcomes settlers willing to contribute positively, Kivumbi pointed out the region’s limited capacity. He stated, “The land in the Central region is not infinite, and hospitality should not be taken advantage of. We will continue to monitor this issue closely and rally our people.”