The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has accused the government of intimidating its leaders after the Soroti Chief Magistrate’s Court on Monday adjourned the hearing of charges related to the controversial “No Cow, No Vote” protest to 14th August 2025.
The case involves senior FDC figures, including Party President Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Soroti City Woman MP Hon. Joan Alobo, Soroti City East MP Hon. Jonathan Ebwalu, and several other party members and activists.
They are facing charges stemming from their participation in the March 2025 demonstration in Soroti City, which demanded government compensation for cattle losses suffered by the people of Teso during the National Resistance Army (NRA) war of the 1980s and later insurgencies.
Shortly after the adjournment, the FDC issued a strongly worded statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, accusing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government of persecuting opposition voices.
“This regime may continue to intimidate our leaders, but we shall not be silenced. We continue demanding justice, accountability, and service delivery for our people,” the FDC posted.
The “No Cow, No Vote” protest was held in March 2025 as a dramatic appeal to the central government over the long-standing issue of cattle compensation in Teso.
Tens of thousands of cattle were lost during military operations and rebel activity in the 1980s and 1990s, leaving many families destitute.
Although the government has pledged compensation over the years, payments have been uneven, delayed, or allegedly marred by corruption.
The FDC leaders argue that the government has failed to deliver justice to the people of Teso, despite repeated promises.
During the March protest, demonstrators marched through Soroti City, carrying placards and chanting slogans demanding “No Cow, No Vote,” signaling they would withhold electoral support from the NRM if compensation was not paid.
Government officials including Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Attorney General’s Office have previously dismissed accusations of neglect, saying compensation efforts are ongoing but hampered by budget constraints and verification challenges.
The case has since become a rallying point for the opposition in eastern Uganda, highlighting simmering grievances over historical injustices and underdevelopment in the Teso sub-region.
Monday’s adjournment comes as political tensions mount nationwide ahead of the 2026 general elections.
FDC leaders have framed the charges as part of a broader pattern of government harassment of opposition politicians.
“We will not be intimidated into abandoning our people’s demands,” Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat told supporters outside the courthouse. “We are here to fight for justice, to demand what is rightfully owed to the people of Teso.”
Hon. Joan Alobo echoed the call for accountability, saying the government must fulfill its pledges rather than resorting to “arrests and court cases to silence us.”
The Soroti Chief Magistrate’s Court is scheduled to resume the hearing on 14th August 2025.
Meanwhile, FDC leaders have vowed to continue their grassroots mobilization and protests to keep the issue in the public eye.
Observers say the case will likely remain politically charged, with the opposition determined to use it to galvanize support in the Teso sub-region and beyond.
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