By Nathan Eyagu 

SOROTI - The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has vowed to continue its No Cow - No Vote campaign across the Teso, Acholi, and Lango regions, undeterred by ongoing legal battles.

Speaking to the press at the Soroti Chief Magistrates Court, FDC President Patrick Oboi Amuriat, flanked by party members, reaffirmed their commitment to the cause, stating they would not be intimidated.

Amuriat, Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo, and Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu were recently arrested and charged with unlawful assembly, common nuisance, burning vehicle tires, blocking traffic, and assaulting three police officers. The charges stem from a protest in Soroti City over the delayed cattle compensation.

Amuriat criticized the government’s failure to compensate war victims, despite a court order mandating reparations for the people of Teso, Lango, and Acholi.

“This campaign has just begun. We are holding the NRM accountable for failing to compensate our people as promised,” he said, adding that their legal troubles would not deter their activism. He also announced plans to extend the campaign across the greater North region.

Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu echoed Amuriat’s sentiments, dismissing the legal battles as intimidation tactics.

“Whether we return to Parliament or not, we will continue fighting for our people’s compensation. We lost property under the NRM’s watch, and we are prepared to pay any price, including imprisonment, to stand with our constituents,” he stated.

Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo also criticized the charges against her, calling them a distraction from their campaign.

“I have been accused of stealing mattresses and soda at Jozan Nursery and Primary School. This is nothing but an attempt to intimidate me. I challenge my accusers to present evidence in court,” she said.

She further noted that there has been no budget allocation for compensation, despite the ongoing budget process in Parliament.

On Monday, Amuriat, Alobo, Ebwalu, and three others had their bail extended until April 28, 2025, when they are expected to reappear before Chief Magistrate Hilda Bakanasa Kalaga for further hearings.