Local leaders want new flow of ‘Balaalo’ into Teso wetlands stopped

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  The invasion of herdsmen, referred to by many as Balaalo, into Agu and Abuket wetlands at the border between Ngora and Serere districts, is causing concern among leaders in the Teso sub-region.

The Soroti LCV Chairperson, Simon Peter Edoru Ekuu says that the movement of the Balaalo herdsmen is becoming a big challenge to most parts of the region since they are not cooperating with the authorities.

The Ngora LCV Chairperson, Mike Odongo L’Asio says that the entry of the herdsmen was not reported to any office in the district. He is worried that the entry of large numbers of cattle is likely to spread animal disease especially Foot and Mouth Disease, which is ravaging some districts in the region.

Reports in Ngora indicate that more than 2,000 cattle entered the district in the last two weeks while another group of herdsmen invaded Serere district with more than 600 cattle.

Dr. Collins Amonya, the Serere Principal Veterinary Officer says that Abuket already hosts 34 kraals owned by the Balaalo herdsmen who have lived in the area for years. Abuket wetland is home to more than 11,000 cattle drawn from different parts of Uganda.

During the meeting with herdsmen in Abuket wetland, the leaders resolved that no other Balalo herdsmen shall be entertained in the area since the place is already full.

The influx of herdsmen has forced people to construct and settle on the wetland which is already suffering impacts of environmental degradation resulting from human activities like charcoal burning, growing of rice, and other agricultural practices.

The Serere LCV Chairperson, Stephen Ochola says that there shall be security surveillance in the area to monitor and control the movement of animals into the wetland.

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