• Veteran journalist and political analyst Andrew Mwenda has voiced sharp criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s latest Executive Order mandating the eviction of the Balaalo from Northern Uganda’s Acholi subregion. 
  • Drawing comparisons with property ownership patterns in other regions, he questioned why individuals from various ethnic groups are allowed to settle in places like Buganda while similar rights are being denied in the North.

Socio-political analyst Andrew Mwenda has expressed his intention to run for Parliament in the Acholi subregion in response to what he describes as tribalism, following a Presidential Executive Order that mandates all Balaalo to vacate the region within two weeks.

Photo credit: Nile Post

Earlier this week, President Museveni issued another Executive Order, which has sparked mixed reactions, authorizing the eviction of Balaalo from this area.

Mwenda, however, considers this action both unlawful and unacceptable. He questioned why individuals from other tribes are permitted to acquire property in the Buganda region while specific regions are reserved for certain tribes. Mwenda stated that what Museveni is doing is entering perilous political territory.

“I urge you, the Baganda, to take a cue from politicians in Northern Uganda—demand that we all be removed from here. Why do Basamia, Acholi, Batoro, and others have the privilege to possess property in Buganda, while the Balaalo are denied that same opportunity in Acholi? I strongly disagree with President Museveni’s decision to evict the Balaalo from the North. I believe he is stepping into very risky political territory. In fact, I am going to run for Parliament in Acholi to demonstrate that Uganda belongs to every tribe, regardless of their geographical location,” Mwenda declared.

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In the meantime, earlier this week, Balaalo staged a march to Parliament along with the Minister of Justice to protest this decision. They assert that they legally purchased the lands they occupy and have nowhere else to go.

This initiative has been led by leaders from the Acholi subregion to ensure the Balaalo are removed.