The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Soroti has granted bail to Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) President Patrick Amuriat, Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo Acom, Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu, and three other political activists following their arrest over the controversial “No Cow, No Vote” protest.
The ruling comes after a tense two-day legal battle that has sparked national debate over opposition persecution and demands for cattle compensation in the Teso sub-region.
FDC leader Patrick Amuriat and five co-accused political activists have been released on bail after spending days in detention over their involvement in the “No Cow, No Vote” demonstration. Presiding Magistrate Hilda Bakanansa Walaga ordered each of the accused to pay a cash bail of Shs32 million, while their sureties were bound to non-cash obligations of Shs10 million each.
The six opposition members, including MPs Alobo and Ebwalu, were arrested and remanded to Soroti Government Prison on Monday after their initial bail request was denied due to incomplete surety documentation. The prosecution, led by State Attorney Paul Okello, filed 20 charges against them, including unlawful assembly, obstructing traffic, burning public roads, and assaulting a police officer.
According to the state, the accused allegedly set motorcycle tyres on fire, hurled stones on roads, and disrupted traffic in Soroti City on March 7, 2025, as part of a protest demanding compensation for cattle losses in the Teso sub-region. Additionally, MPs Ebwalu and Alobo are facing separate charges linked to a previous demonstration in January 2024.
Despite objections from the prosecution, Magistrate Walaga ruled that the accused had met all the bail conditions. Their hearings have been scheduled for March 21 and March 31.
Defence lawyer Moses Okot Bitek Jr welcomed the ruling but strongly criticized the Shs32 million cash bail, arguing that it amounts to financial punishment for opposition leaders. He accused the state of using legal processes to weaken political opponents and called on the public to stand in solidarity with those facing political repression.
The case continues to draw attention as opposition leaders claim that the government is using intimidation to silence voices demanding justice for the people of Teso. As the trial dates approach, the accused remain defiant, vowing to continue their push for accountability and compensation.
