UPDF Arrests 507 Cattle in Akokoro and Ibuje During "Balalo" Eviction Operation in Apac

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UPDF Arrests 507 Cattle in Akokoro and Ibuje During "Balalo" Eviction Operation in Apac

Leaders in Ibuje and Akokoro Sub-counties in Apac District are appealing to the Government of Uganda to intervene and release over 500 cattle that were arrested by UPDF soldiers during an operation to evict "Balalo" herders from Maruzi Ranch, Apac District.

The operation was carried out on Monday 20th July 2026 by a joint security team in Akokoro and Ibuje Sub-counties.

According to a report received Today by leaders and some locals 507 head of cattle belonging to 4 herders were arrested during the operation.

The LC3 Chairperson of Akokoro Sub-county, Denis Ambrosoli Onapa, said that during the operation, UPDF security arrested 128 cattle belonging to Okech Geoffrey of Awila, Atek Central, 136 cattle belonging to Alfred Omara, 71 cattle belonging to Simon Ogwal, and 172 cattle belonging to Nelson Akoo of Tarogali in Ibuje. He said a total of 436 out of 507 cattle are currently being held at Acholi Inn Landing Site UPDF Barak, while 71 others were taken to Kiryandongo - Masindi Port.

XXX Onapa on Balalo Operation Luo..

"The 3 herds in Akokoro: 128 for Okech Geoffrey, 136 for Alfred Omara and 71 for Simon Ogwal... and a total of 436 out of 507 cattle are being held at Acholi Inn Landing Site by UPDF."

Geoffrey Franklin Okech, a resident of Atek Central, Awila, Akokoro Sub-county, appealed to government to have mercy on them and release their cattle so they can sell them to reduce the number of cattle that can easily be kept.

Okech on Balalo Operation Luo...

The cattle I have, 128, were arrested and taken to Maruzi Ranch barracks. Government should have mercy on us and our cattle that were arrested so we can sell them and pay back our loans."_

Simon Ogwal of Abudama, Kungu Parish, Akokoro, said UPDF raided Maruzi Ranch and took 71 of his cattle to Masindi Port. He said they were left there without food and water and are appealing to leaders to help them.

XXX Ogwal on Balalo Operation Luo ..

"UPDF raided Maruzi Ranch and took my 71 cattle to Masindi Port... we are asking leaders and government to help us with our cattle that are suffering there."_

The herders are crying out to government and leaders to have mercy and find a way to help them because the situation is becoming serious.

UPDF, Commander of the government operation in Maruzi Ranch Apac, Richard Bahigi Nuwagira, said they were implementing an Executive Order and that he had handed over a report to the Apac RDC.

XXX Nuwagira on Balalo Operation Eng...

_"We are implementing the Executive Order on the eviction of Balaalo from the region. The report has been handed over to the RDC for further action."

Apac RDC, Andrew Onyuk, said the problem is about eviction of Balalo where some local pretend to hides balao cattle that can jopadoze the implementing of the presidential order by the Executive executive order number two and three and they are going to verify the cattle whether it's for local or Balalo

The RDC said the operation was done with the knowledge of the district security committee because the government land at Maruzi Ranch must be free as it was handed to the investor that are carrying out Palm Oil Plantation.

XXX Onyuk on Executive Order Luo.