Soroti Chief Magistrate’s court has remanded several Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) leaders to Soroti Government Prison until March 12, 2025, following their arrest on Friday, March 7, in Soroti City.
The accused, including FDC party president Patrick Amuriat Oboi, Soroti City MP Joan Alobo, Jonathan Ebwalu (MP Soroti City West), Sam Acaitum, Silus Emiedu, and Isaac Ogaram, were charged with unlawful assembly, common nuisance, burning vehicle tyres on the road, blocking traffic, and assaulting three police officers.
The arrests occurred during the launch of the “No Cow, No Vote” campaign organized by Soroti City legislators Jonathan Ebwalu and Joan Alobo. The accused applied for bail, but chief state attorney Paul Okello opposed the application, arguing that the defense lawyers had not provided all the required documents for the sureties.
Sureties presented included; MP Julius Emigu (Ochero County) MP Elijah Okupa (Kasilo County) MP Tom Julius Ekudo (Gweri County) Washington Ariu, FDC chairperson of Opuyo Ward in Soroti City.
However, Soroti chief magistrate Hilda Bakanasa Walaga denied bail and directed the defense team to present all necessary surety documents before the next hearing on March 12. Additional charges against MPs Ebwalu and Alobo MPs Ebwalu and Alobo also face charges of unlawful assembly, common nuisance, and obstruction of traffic flow, allegedly committed on January 8, 2024, during a protest over irregularities at Soroti Main Market.
The magistrate adjourned their bail application for this case to March 12, 2025. Lead defense lawyer Moses Okot Junior Bitek criticized the proceedings, accusing the court of deliberately delaying the case.
“We were in this court from morning, only for our clients to be produced at 5 PM and dragged until 8 PM, with the sole intention of denying our bail application,” Bitek lamented.
In a separate case, MP Joan Alobo and twelve others were charged with five additional counts related to the alleged torching of Jozan Nursery and Primary School on March 6, 2025.
The accused include Joan Alobo, Joseph Okol, Moses Olipa, Emmanuel Okiror, James Odongo, Mark Obonyo, Norah Akiror, Juma Ogwel. They were charged with arson, theft, malicious damage to property, inciting violence, and breaking into the school with intent to commit a felony.
It is alleged that the group stormed Jozan Nursery and Primary School, setting it on fire, stealing property, and causing damage. Chief state attorney Paul Okello opposed MP Alobo’s bail application, arguing that her position as an MP could allow her to interfere with court proceedings and that the sureties presented were inadequate.
It is a pity! But maybe this is the opportunity for Hon Patrick Amuriat to reflect and have a tiny feel of what Dr. Besigye (whom he betrayed after receiving the Biblical 30 pieces of Silver) has been going through since 2001.
In other words, on behalf of Gen Tibuhaburwa and his “2021 Election Campaign and/or Prediction”; the Amuriat, Speaker Anita Among and her Deputy; Anthony Akol, Betrice Anywar, Aber/Arach Lillian, etc. of FDC have not only damned, but also happily destroyed FDC in the shortest possible time.
Ugandans need just ONE National Leader, who MUST call for an end to the tribalistic system & to UNITY, the only POWER Ugandans need, if they want to be owners of the zone formed by their tribal lands!
Why are tribal leaders still in posts ensuring Ugandans remain POWERLESS?
Why wait for next fake useless elections to ensure Ugandans are slaves of Rwandese Museveni?
Why don’t Ugandans have Common Goals under just ONE of them as National Leader, to ensure Museveni is blocked, stopped & they are FREE to form the kind of givernance they want?
Ugandans, please WAKE UP, NOW!