Police in Soroti City have arrested Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President, Patrick Amuriat Oboi, along with two Members of Parliament and other party officials, for staging a protest over the delayed compensation of Teso War Debt Claimants.
The demonstration, dubbed “No Cow, No Vote,” was meant to pressure the government to expedite compensation for families affected by past conflicts.
Those arrested include Soroti City MP Joan Alobo Acom, Soroti City West MP Johnathan Ebwalu, FDC’s Soroti City West Chairperson Isaac Asaku, Kumi Woman MP Aspirant Mary Goretti Atemo, and MP Alobo’s personal assistant, Sam Acaitum.
The group is currently detained at the East Kyoga Regional Police Headquarters, which has been sealed off to prevent further access.
According to Amuriat, who spoke before his arrest, the government has failed to prioritize compensation, despite the loss of lives and property suffered by the Teso community.
Security forces also reportedly blocked a planned prayer gathering at Soroti Public Gardens, where FDC leaders had intended to seek justice for war victims.
The compensation issue gained momentum after the arrest of 40 elders from the Teso sub-region, who allegedly met NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) last month to discuss compensation and economic hardships in the region.
The elders were detained at Wandegeya Police Station, had their phones confiscated, and were later released.
MP Tom Julius Ekudo (Gweri County) condemned the arrests, accusing the government of failing to fulfill its promises to compensate Teso war victims.
With tensions rising, the question remains, Will the government address these long-standing grievances, or will protests continue to escalate?
By Olivia Nabaggala
7th Mar 2025
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