CDF Kainerugaba and Rwot Acana discuss peace, development in Acholi

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The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting civilians and supporting government programs in Northern Uganda. 

Gen. Kainerugaba, who is in Gulu on an assessment tour of ongoing UPDF operations in Northern Uganda, gave the assurance during a private meeting with the Acoli paramount chief, Rwot David Onen Acana II, at the Ker-Kwaro Acoli (Palace) in Gulu City on Monday, June 16.

The CDF, who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, was received by Acholi chiefs, who ushered him into the meeting with the Paramount Chief. The closed discussions focused on how the UPDF and the cultural institution can work together for the development of Acholi land.

Ker-Kwaro Acoli (Palace) ministers receive CDF Kainerugaba in Gulu on June 16. (Courtesy photo)

Gen. Kainerugaba was accompanied by the 4th Division commander, Maj. Gen. Felix Busizoori, and 5th Division commander, Maj. Gen. Keith Katungi. The two divisions based in Gulu and Acholi Pii, respectively, cover northern Uganda areas that border South Sudan and DRC.

According to palace sources, Rwot Acana commended the UPDF for its role in maintaining stability, while CDF Kainerugaba is reported to have asked the paramount chief about his views on the eviction of Ballaalo cattle keepers.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the KKA, Geoffrey Okello-Okuna, disclosed that during the courtesy visit to the KKA, Gen. Kainerugaba and his host discussed the pending eviction of the Balalo cattle keepers from the Acholi sub-region.

Tasked with implementing the 2023 Presidential Executive Order number three, State Minister for Northern Uganda, Dr Kenneth Omona, last month gave the Balalo a two-week ultimatum to leave Northern Uganda or risk being forcefully evicted.

However, the implementation has not been effected. By yesterday, June 18, there was no sign of movement of cattle or owners of the huge herds grazing in the Acholi sub-region.

Okuna, who attended the private talks, stated that the CDF assured Rwot Acana that the Presidential Order will be effected soon, with the Ballaalo herdsmen and the cattle vacating the farms that they currently occupy.

At a press conference held at the KKA Council Hall at the Palace on Tuesday, Okuna said that Rwot Acana offered to guide the CDF whenever he (the CDF) needed assistance or advice on the Ballaalo evictions as provided by the Presidential Order.

Rwot Acana also informed the CDF about the persistent cattle raids by the Karamojong warriors in the eastern parts of Acholi land.

“Rwot Acana informed the CDF that the areas yearly hit and affected by the Karamojong that needed urgent UPDF security beef-ups included Orom, Abim, Agago and parts of Kitgum districts. In addition, the CDF in an acknowledgement promised to take on the matter and see a possible beef up of security to instil peace in the areas”, Okello-Okuna added.

The historic meeting of the CDF with the Acholi paramount chief came after several attempts and unmet four earlier Presidential Orders to have Ballaalo herdsmen quit Acholi land and the northern region. The effects of the cattle invasion in the areas of Okidi and Palaro sub-county at large pose much poverty, loss of food security, cause insecurity with socio-economic and inter-cultural disaster among the local residents, losing their food crops and plantations to the wandering thousands of uncontrolled cattle in the areas of Okidi and other places in Palaro sub-county in Gulu district.