By The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has announced a grace period for farmers to harvest their crops in the contested Aswa Ranch, located in Northern Uganda. The decision follows recommendations by Major General Keith Katungi, Commander of the 5 Infantry Division, who stressed the need for an inclusive and community-sensitive approach to land use transition in the area.
The grace period is part of Operation Harmony, a government initiative aimed at implementing Executive Order No. 2, which targets the eviction of nomadic pastoralists from the Acholi and Lango sub-regions.
Maj. Gen. Katungi emphasized that the timeline for harvesting will be decided in consultation with local leaders to accommodate the needs of those who cultivated crops before enforcement measures began. The delay in implementation was partly due to a recent Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak in the region, which hindered early intervention and required a comprehensive veterinary effort.
Speaking at the same engagement, Deputy Prime Minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi, Mr. Okumu Martin, commended the UPDF’s approach and called upon community leaders to raise awareness about the benefits of shifting away from nomadic practices. He said this shift offers an opportunity for Northern Uganda to embrace responsible land use, climate-resilient agriculture, and reforestation, laying the groundwork for long-term economic stability.
UPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye reiterated that the move is designed to foster a lawful and sustainable land tenure system in the region.
As enforcement activities resume under the Executive Order, the UPDF says it remains committed to peaceful engagement and community welfare in transitioning the region from nomadism to settled and productive land use.
