FDC MPs’ protest case to proceed as magistrate rejects dismissal plea

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The Soroti Chief Magistrate’s Court has rejected a request to terminate proceedings in a case involving Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Members of Parliament facing charges related to unlawful protests.

During Monday’s hearing before Chief Magistrate Hilda Bakanansa Walaga, defence counsel Gabriel Osire argued that the State had failed to present witnesses or commence trial for over two months. He asked the court to dismiss the case for lack of progress.

However, in her ruling, the magistrate dismissed the request, noting that the accused had already taken plea and consented to proceed with the trial. All complainants were present in court, although the State prosecutor was absent.

The accused include FDC party president Patrick Amuriat Oboi, Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo, Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu, Sam Acaitum, Silus Emiedu, and Isaac Ogaram. They were arrested in March 2025 and charged with unlawful assembly, common nuisance, burning vehicle tyres, obstructing traffic, and assaulting three police officers.

The charges stem from the launch of the controversial “No Cow, No Vote” campaign led by MPs Alobo and Ebwalu.

The court adjourned the matter to July 14, 2025, for hearing and extended the bail terms for all accused.

Arson case also adjourned

In a related matter, the same court declined to terminate proceedings in another case involving MP Alobo and 12 others accused of arson and related charges. The allegations stem from the suspected torching of Jozan Nursery and Primary School on March 6, 2025.

The group, including Joseph Okol, Moses Olipa, Emmanuel Okiror, James Odongo, Mark Obonyo, Norah Akiror and Juma Ogwel, faces five charges, including arson, theft, and malicious damage to property.

Although the prosecution presented one police officer as a witness, the case could not proceed due to the officer’s illness. The matter has been adjourned to July 7, 2025.