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Kitgum, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Kitgum district security committee has forcefully evicted pastoralists from Orom East sub-county.
The operation was in line with the second phase of the eviction code-named Lainisha Kilimo Na Mifungu, which was flagged off by the State Minister of Internal Affairs Gen. David Muhoozi in Gulu on February 11. The first phase of the eviction targeted pastoralists occupying government land in Pader, Nwoya, Amuru and Apac districts launched on January 14 this year.
The second phase is aimed at evicting the pastoralists on community land who moved back illegally and are committing other breaches including straying into people’s gardens. The operation in Zone B, which comprises of Kitgum, Pader and Lamwo districts was commanded by Brig. Gen. Phillip Mugarura.
Kitgum Resident District Commissioner William Komakech oversaw two pastoralists escorted with their animals numbering 350 to Orom primary School to give time for the owners to look for a vehicle to transport them out of the district. Komakech says they decided to carry out the impromptu and forceful eviction, after the pastoralists failed to honor the several deadlines given to them.
Komakech says they have given the pastoralists only today, Friday 18, to evacuate their animals, failure of which will force the District Veterinary Officer and the District Police Commander to seek a court order to have the animals auctioned.
Orom sub-county and Kiteny sub-county councillors told Uganda Radio Network that the animals are still locked in the fenced school, as the owners said they are waiting for vehicles from Kampala.
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