The Gulu District Security Committee, during its meeting held on January 2nd, 2024, in the CAO’s boardroom, passed a resolution to resume Operations Harmony on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024, starting with Omel sub-county in Gulu District.
Deputy RDC Mr. Cosmas James Okidi, who chaired the meeting, declared that the exercise would focus on unfenced farms and be conducted peacefully. “I want to assure you that anyone who hasn’t met the requirements will be evicted without compromise,” DRDC Cosmas emphasized during the preparatory meetings. He added that ample time had been given, and there should be no excuses.
The district security committee decided to resume the operations due to the recent festivities, during which many people, including cattle keepers, were on leave and might have neglected compliance requirements. So far, a total of 1,055 cattle and three sheep have been evicted in Gulu District, against a target of 3,000 animals. Over ten farms have also been vacated.
This resumption of Operations Harmony follows directives issued by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, during his visit to Okidi in Amuru District. The President gave cattle keepers three weeks to comply with the necessary regulations. Presidential Executive Order No. 3 of 2023 further prompted the action, in response to complaints from indigenous people who accused cattle keepers of trampling on their crops.
