Amuriat, Two Opposition MPs Remanded Over ‘No Cow, No Vote’ Protest

A police convoy carrying detained opposition leaders arrived at Soroti Chief Magistrates’ Court around 4 PM on Monday, where supporters had been anxiously waiting.

Among those in custody were Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party President Patrick Amuriat Oboi, Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo Acom, and Soroti City West Division MP Jonathan Ebwalu, along with several youth.

They appeared before Soroti Chief Magistrate Hilder Bakanasa Walaga, facing charges related to their involvement in the “No Cow, No Vote” protest.

The magistrate remanded them to Soroti Government Prison until Wednesday, March 12, 2025, pending further court proceedings.

The opposition leaders were charged with burning car tires in the middle of roads, an offense under Section 63 of the Road Act.

They were arrested on Friday, March 6, during a demonstration in the Teso sub-region, where they, along with other FDC leaders, demanded government compensation for Teso war claimants.

FDC Legal Secretary Moses Okot Bitek, who is leading the defense, expressed concern over the legal process, revealing that the prosecution had unexpectedly brought more than 20 charges against the accused.

“We expected two counts, but now we are faced with over 20. The court has deferred rulings on some matters and allowed us to make bail applications on two other files this Wednesday,” Okot Bitek said.

The “No Cow, No Vote” campaign highlights growing frustrations in the Teso sub-region over the government’s delay in compensating victims of past insurgencies.

Opposition leaders insist that without a concrete commitment from President Museveni’s administration, they will mobilize Teso residents to withhold their votes in the upcoming elections.

With the next court session set for March 12, supporters remain hopeful that bail will be granted, allowing their leaders to continue advocating for the Teso war claimants’ cause.

The case has drawn significant political attention, adding to rising tensions ahead of the 2026 general elections.