By Nathan Eyagu 

Soroti City - Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidates in Soroti City have rallied residents to unite behind the party’s call for change, urging them to vote against poor governance and resist policies they say threaten community land rights. The appeal came during a campaign drive held at Camp Swahili Ward, where party flag bearers emphasized accountability, transparency, and protection of citizens’ property as their central message ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Speaking to supporters, Attan Moses Okia, FDC’s parliamentary contestant for Soroti City East, criticized the government for failing to deliver on its promises, citing poor health services, inadequate school feeding programs, and rising poverty levels.

“If you are tired of poor governance, then vote for FDC for change. This election is not for me alone, but for all of us who want a better future for our children,” Okia said. “Our health workers like Dr. Epodoi and Dr. Kirya are doing their best, but without drugs and equipment, their hands are tied. We need leadership that prioritizes the lives of ordinary citizens.”

Okia pledged to champion reforms in the health and education sectors if elected, saying that no child should fail in school because of hunger.

Meanwhile, Acom Alobo Joan, the incumbent Woman MP for Soroti City and FDC candidate seeking re-election, called on Iteso voters to stay vigilant and reject government manipulation. She criticized what she described as “decades of neglect” that have left Teso underdeveloped despite numerous promises.

“Let’s open our eyes as Iteso. For more than 40 years, we’ve suffered poor service delivery, the government under the leadership of the nrm is in political menopause,” Acom stated. “They claim to protect our gains, yet our people remain in poverty. When we protested peacefully under the slogan ‘No Cow, No Vote,’ we were arrested — yet the Balalo now graze freely in our lands. Is that fairness?”

Acom also cautioned against the proposed Land Amendment Bill, warning that it would allow the government to take over land before proper compensation is made. She urged voters to support leaders who will defend their rights in Parliament.

“The Land Amendment Bill is a danger to our communities. It weakens citizens’ land rights and opens the door to land grabs. We need leaders who will stand up for the voiceless,” she said.

Adding his voice, Paul Omer, the FDC party envoy in the Teso Sub-region, expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to compensate families whose cattle were lost during past insurgencies.

“Our people have waited for cattle compensation for over 20 years, yet new empty programs are being introduced,” Omer remarked. “The proposal to give five cows per household will take ages, while the Balalo freely graze their herds in Kapelebyong and Katakwi. Teso deserves better. It’s time for change.”

The FDC leaders reaffirmed their commitment to restore accountability, strengthen social services, and defend land ownership rights. They appealed to residents to turn out in large numbers during the 2026 elections to bring what they termed as “real transformation” to Soroti City and Teso at large.

“Give FDC your trust and hope for 2026–2031,” the leaders urged. “Vote for leaders who will speak for you and defend your land.”

Background: The Land Amendment Bill

The Land Amendment Bill, introduced by the government to streamline land acquisition for public projects, has sparked widespread debate. The Bill proposes allowing the government to take possession of land once compensation funds have been deposited in court, even if the owner disputes the amount.

Critics argue that this undermines constitutional protections that guarantee land ownership to citizens, opening the door to forced acquisitions and land grabs. The proposal has faced resistance from opposition legislators and civil society groups who see it as a direct threat to rural communities.

In regions like Teso, where land and cattle are central to livelihoods, the Bill remains a particularly sensitive issue — making it a rallying point for opposition campaigns.

As the 2026 general elections approach, Soroti City has emerged as one of the hotbeds of political activity, with FDC positioning itself as the party of reform and community protection. Their message of fighting land injustice and poor governance appears to be resonating strongly with voters across Teso.