By Emmanuel Olinga
KAPELEBYONG
The nomadic cattle keepers commonly known as Balaalo have invaded Kapelebyong district following their eviction from Northern Uganda Districts.
The invasion has seen damage to garden crops and environmental destruction of Natural grass usually used in building huts to the dismay of locals.
For instance residents of Alito Sub County in Kapelebyong district say Balalo cattle have destroyed their cassava gardens in the villages of Ogwotai A, Ogwatai B, Alito in Akileng parish, Alito Sub County.
Robert Ongareno, LCIII Alito Sub County says the Balalo infiltrated the area from Otuke district in Northern Uganda without authorization. He says the worst affected parish is Akileng where about 160 herds of cattle owned by Balalao herdsmen have destroyed people’s gardens of crops.
However, community members of Akileng parish such as David Ejomu, Charles Ogole, Silvester Emesu, Justine Enabu among others blame few residents such as Acak Emmanuel of Alito central, Obuwa David Alito Central, Ecoru Nathan Ogwotai A, Imageso clan, Ibua, Amuge Faith of Oringoi village for inviting the Balaalo.
Boniface Otim says he has lost half a garden of Rice to the Balalo herd because the animals ate up all his rice that he spent over Ugx 150,000 for cultivation.
Moses Erongu, son to Ecoru Nathan who hired land to the Balaalo denied any knowledge about invasion of Balalo although they are accommodated in their father’s land.
Francis Akorikin, LCV Kapelebyong resolved in an engagement with Ogwotai A, Orimoi, Alito central community members that the Balaalo should be evicted or have them enclosed within the land of Nathan, son Ecoru.
Ecoru is said to have hired off his 15 gardens to the Balaalo at a fee of Shs 1.5 million to settle and graze in their land.
Despite the Presidential directive for the Balalo to evacuate northeastern regions, the balalo have kept on causing havoc to the crop farmers who register crop destruction.
