The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have evicted over 5,300 cattle owned by Dinka pastoralists from Atiak Sugar Factory land in Amuru District, Northern Uganda. The eviction follows their illegal occupation of the plantation since 2022.
Specifically, the government-owned New Vision Newspaper reported that the operation occurred between July 7 and 8, 2025, led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Prosocovia Acham and a joint security team in Amuru.
Backed by Presidential Executive Order
The action enforces Presidential Executive Order No. 2 of 2025, which directs the removal of all cattle illegally grazing in Northern Uganda.
A plantation official confirmed that 2,580 cattle were removed on July 7, followed by 2,815 on July 8. Soldiers from the UPDF 63rd Battalion under the 4th Infantry Division escorted the herders and their livestock to the Uganda–South Sudan border.
Insecurity Drove Herders Across Border
Security officials say the Dinka herders crossed into Uganda in 2022, fleeing rising insecurity in South Sudan. Since then, they have occupied plantation land belonging to the Atiak Sugar Factory, a government-backed agro-industrial project.
“The cattle destroyed irrigated sugarcane, especially during the dry season,” said Leonard Komkech, spokesperson for the Atiak Sugar Project.
He explained that the cattle grazed on young sugarcane when natural pastures dried up, severely hindering factory operations.
Thousands of Illegal Grazing Cattle
The factory estimates between 8,000 and 10,000 cattle illegally grazed its 25,000-acre estate, 5,000 acres of which it has already planted with sugarcane.
Management is optimistic that, with the eviction complete, the damaged crops will recover. The company plans to resume sugar production by late 2026 or early 2027.
“This eviction gives the plantation a chance to restore its operations and protect future investments,” Komkech added.
The eviction marks a significant step in Uganda’s efforts to enforce land rights, support agricultural development, and enhance regional security. The government’s actions underline a broader commitment to protect strategic economic assets from unlawful encroachment.
