More than 1,000 cattle belonging to Mbororo pastoralists from Chad were forced to return to South Sudan on Sunday, March 9, 2024, after crossing into Uganda through Koboko District.
According to reports from Uganda’s media outlets, the herd of cattle was intercepted by Ugandan security forces after they had entered the country, raising concerns over border violations. The Mbororo pastoralists, who are known for their transboundary grazing practices, reportedly brought the cattle into Uganda without proper documentation or authorization.
Komakech Walter Oyoo, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Koboko District, confirmed the operation. He stated that the cattle, which were being moved towards Ugandan grazing areas, were escorted back to South Sudan under the supervision of Ugandan security teams. The action was part of ongoing efforts by the Ugandan authorities to regulate the cross-border movement of livestock and ensure the integrity of Uganda’s borders.
“The operation was necessary to ensure compliance with Uganda’s border regulations and prevent unauthorized cattle movements, which can lead to security and economic challenges,” said Oyoo.
The incident highlights the complex nature of border management in the region, where pastoralist communities often travel across national borders in search of grazing lands for their herds. Uganda and South Sudan, along with neighboring countries, have faced ongoing challenges in managing cross-border livestock movements, with concerns ranging from disease transmission to territorial disputes.
It is not immediately clear why the Mbororo pastoralists crossed into Uganda, but their actions are seen as part of a broader pattern of seasonal migrations, which often result in tensions between pastoralists and border authorities.
This latest move by Ugandan authorities underscores their commitment to enforcing border control measures in line with national security protocols and regional agreements on livestock movement. It remains to be seen whether such interventions will affect the livelihoods of pastoralist communities in the region or lead to further tensions along Uganda’s border with South Sudan.