Kampala, Uganda – Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has directed that a lawsuit filed by over 300 pastoralists (Balaalo) challenging their eviction from protected lands be transferred from the Kampala High Court to the Gulu High Court for hearing.
The herders had petitioned the Kampala High Court after the government issued an order requiring them to vacate conservation areas with their cattle. They argue that the directive was issued without proper verification of their land ownership claims.
Simon Kintu Zirintuusa, the court’s registrar, confirmed the transfer following the Chief Justice’s directive. Lawyers representing the pastoralists, led by Brian Rubihayo of Mwesigwa Rukutana & Company Advocates, are seeking legal intervention to halt the eviction. However, the government’s legal team has opposed their application.
Some pastoralists expressed dissatisfaction with the case’s relocation, fearing delays in resolving the dispute. Alex Mwesigye, their spokesperson, stated, “We continue to suffer losses of livestock and conflicts with locals due to this unresolved matter.”
