Police in Soroti City have charged Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party President Patrick Amuriat, Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu, and Soroti City MP Joan Alobo with assault and unlawful assembly. The charges stem from a protest on Friday regarding delayed government compensation for lost cattle.
According to East Kyoga Regional Police Commander Damalie Nachuha, the FDC had notified police of their intent to hold prayers and a rally. However, the demonstration escalated when participants blocked roads and burned tires. Nachuha reported injuries to police officers during the incident.
The arrested leaders remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Osborne Omoding, of the Teso Animal and Property Compensation Organization (TAPCO), criticized the MPs’ decision to protest in the streets, suggesting they should address the compensation issue in Parliament. He noted that while 13,338 claimants have received compensation, thousands remain uncompensated.
Gweri County MP Tom Julius Ekudo defended the protesters, asserting they were conducting a peaceful procession for prayer, which he claims police disrupted. He maintained the protest was focused on advocating for cattle compensation.
Kyoga County MP Moses Bitek Okot, the FDC’s legal representative, expressed concern over access to the detained leaders. He stated that their legal team faced a six-hour delay in reaching the suspects and that relatives were denied visits. Okot insisted the protest was lawful and demanded their release within 48 hours.
Police stated that the protest, which began at FDC offices in Akisim ward, became violent when demonstrators assaulted officers, prompting police intervention.