The political storm sparked by National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s recent visit to Teso Sub-region has taken a dramatic turn, with Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Patrick Oboi Amuriat (POA) accusing Bobi Wine of mocking the suffering of war claimants.
Amuriat, a native of Teso and former presidential candidate, took to social media on Tuesday to sharply criticize Kyagulanyi’s symbolic gesture of donating calves and signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Teso war claimants, calling it “cheap politics” and a “mockery” of the elders who have endured decades without compensation.
“@HEBobiwine @NUP_Ug @DavidLRubongoya cut the crab,” Amuriat posted.
“This is a mockery of our old people. Play better politics. Like @KagutaMuseveni and @NRMOnline, false agreements and playing mind games on our desperate elders. Cheap politics just! Do you even understand the magnitude of the compensation situation?”
Amuriat’s remarks have stirred heated debate among political circles and Teso residents, with many accusing him of hypocrisy and political jealousy.
Supporters of NUP from the region were quick to defend their party leader’s gesture and slam Amuriat for what they described as condescending behavior.
George William Okoit, a prominent youth mobilizer in Ngora, expressed disappointment with Amuriat’s comments, noting that FDC’s influence in Teso has waned in part due to what he called “elitist arrogance” from its leaders.
“Finally, I can believe Dr. Kizza Besigye when he distanced himself from you,” Okoit said in response.
“You are an embarrassment. When you were running around town burning tyres did we say anything? You need to grow. In NUP, we don’t have masters like you whose master is Museveni in disguise. In NUP, what holds us together is our desire for a country that works for everyone, not a few privileged. You thought we are gullible? Watch us flip Teso.”
Moses Ariong, another NUP coordinator from Teso, lauded Bobi Wine’s efforts, saying the NUP leader demonstrated real commitment by documenting his party’s pledge through an MoU.
“Papa @PatrickAmuriat, this was a good gesture by @HEBobiwine and @NUP_Ug,” Ariong stated.
“It’s clear that those that took our cattle have no interest in returning them, yet they continue using this issue during campaigns with false promises. NUP has committed to addressing this matter in pen and paper, unlike the others who talk without action.”
The issue of war claimants in the Teso Sub-region remains one of the most painful and unresolved matters in Uganda’s post-conflict reconstruction.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, thousands of families in Teso lost cattle, lives, and property due to insurgencies and cattle rustling.
Successive government promises of compensation have yielded little results, often seen as political bait during election seasons.
Bobi Wine, during his Monday visit to Eneku Village in Soroti City, pledged that NUP would prioritize compensation for Teso war claimants and other marginalised communities if voted into power.
The symbolic donation of seven calves to selected elders was meant to offer hope and signify a new beginning, according to the NUP leader.
“These elders were once wealthy, but lost everything to war and government neglect,” Kyagulanyi stated during the event.
“They have been lied to for decades, while regime loyalists benefit from their pain. We came not just to talk, but to listen and document our commitment to justice for them.”
Observers see the spat between Amuriat and the NUP as indicative of the broader political jostling in Teso, where FDC has traditionally commanded significant support.
However, with growing frustration among voters and an energized youth demographic, NUP appears to be making inroads.
The public exchange also underscores rising tensions between opposition factions, particularly as Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections.
While both NUP and FDC claim to represent the people, the lack of unity among opposition leaders continues to weaken their ability to mount a coordinated challenge to the ruling NRM.
In Teso, many residents are now watching the unfolding events with a mixture of hope and skepticism.
The elders, whose plight formed the centerpiece of the controversy, remain largely silent but visibly grateful for the attention.
Whether this political contest will result in real compensation or merely another cycle of unfulfilled promises remains to be seen.
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