The Soroti Chief Magistrate Court has set March 31, 2025 as the date it will officially start hearing of a case where Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament (MP) Joan Alobo Acom and 12 others are facing multiple charges related to the destruction of property at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Kigandani Cell, Soroti City.
The group first appeared on Monday March 10, 2025 before Soroti Chief Magistrate Her Worship Hilda Bakanansa Walaga and were charged with 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.
The state today announced that investigations into the matter we done and they were ready to proceed with the case.
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