Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament (MP) Joan Alobo Acom and 12 others have been formally charged with multiple offenses related to the destruction of property at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Kigandani Cell, Soroti City.
The group appeared before Soroti Chief Magistrate Hilda Bakanansa Walaga yesterday evening and are facing five serious charges stemming from the March 6 incident that followed public outrage over the handling of a murder case involving the school.
The accused individuals include: Osege Joseph (22), Obura Solomon (23), Egumu Joseph, Okiror Emmanuel, Odongo James (29), Okello Stephen, Akiror Norah (31), Ogwel Juma (20), Olipa Moses (25), Idakun Sam (21), Okol Joseph (18), MP Joan Alobo Acom, and Obonyo Mark.
According to prosecution led by Chief State Attorney Paul Okello, the group is accused of willfully setting fire to property belonging to Jozan Nursery and Primary School, contrary to Sections 314 (19) (b) and (c) of the Penal Code Act.
The state alleges that the accused torched the school’s infrastructure, including a canteen, furniture, and learning materials.
In addition to arson, the accused face charges of malicious damage to property under Section 312 of the Penal Code Act.
The prosecution claims that the group damaged several school assets, including books, chalk, the perimeter fence, and other essential items used in the day-to-day running of the institution.
They are also jointly charged with housebreaking, contrary to Section 277, and attempted theft and theft, contrary to Sections 237 and 244 of the Penal Code.
Allegedly, the group broke into school buildings and stole mattresses, beds, windows, doors, metallic boxes, maize flour, tables, and other items, all valued at approximately UGX 5 million.
In a separate count, MP Joan Alobo Acom is charged with incitement to violence, contrary to Section 79 of the Penal Code Act.
Prosecutors allege that, acting in her capacity as a Member of Parliament, she incited members of the public to destroy property belonging to the school.
Chief State Attorney Okello opposed the bail application, arguing that the gravity of the charges, which carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment upon conviction, warranted the accused remaining in custody.
He also cited concerns that Alobo could interfere with prosecution witnesses or tamper with ongoing investigations.
However, Moses Okot Bitek Jr, counsel for the accused, dismissed the state’s claims as speculative.
“There is no evidence that Hon. Alobo or any of the co-accused have ever attempted to interfere with the case or witnesses. They are innocent until proven guilty,” he argued.
In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Hilda Bakanansa Walaga granted bail to MP Alobo under stringent conditions.
She was ordered to pay UGX 2 million in cash, while each of her sureties was bonded at UGX 10 million non-cash.
MP Alobo presented Hon. Anne Adeke Ebaju, MP for Soroti District, and Paul Omer, Mayor of Soroti City East Division, as her sureties.
The case has been adjourned to March 20, 2025, for mention as investigations continue.
About Author
This life no balance