By KT Reporter
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party President has said that he will continue with the “No Cow – No Vote” campaign across the Teso, Acholi, and Lango regions.
Speaking to the press at the Soroti Chief Magistrates Court, Amuriat, alongside several party members, expressed determination not to be intimidated.
Amuriat, Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo, and Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu were arrested and charged with unlawful assembly, common nuisance, burning vehicle tires on the road, blocking traffic, and assaulting three police officers. This followed a protest in Soroti city over the delayed cattle compensation.
Amuriat highlighted the plight of the Teso people, who have lost their cattle, and criticized the government for failing to provide compensation. “This campaign has just begun, and it aims to hold the NRM accountable for not compensating war victims, despite a court order mandating compensation for the people of Teso, Lango, and Acholi,” Amuriat asserted. He announced plans for a new campaign in the greater North region, emphasizing that their legal trials would not deter their activism.
Jonathan Ebwalu, the MP for Soroti City West, echoed Amuriat’s sentiments, describing the legal battles as attempts to instill fear. “Whether we return to Parliament or not, we will continue fighting for our people’s compensation. We lost property under the NRM’s watch, and we are prepared to pay any price, including imprisonment, to support our constituents,” he stated.
Joan Alobo, the MP for Soroti City, criticized the charges against her and fellow party members as distractions from their campaign. “I have been accused of stealing mattresses and soda at Jozan Nursery and Primary School, which is merely an intimidation tactic. I challenge my accusers to present evidence to the court,” she said.
She pointed out that there has been no budget allocation for compensation, despite the ongoing budget process in Parliament.
On Monday, Amuriat, Alobo, Ebwalu, and three others had their bail extended until April 28, 2025, when they will appear before Chief Magistrate Hilda Bakanasa Kalaga for further hearings-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
