Soroti, Uganda | Top leaders of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) have sharply criticized the Soroti Chief Magistrate’s Court over what they describe as “politically motivated judicial harassment” following yet another round of case adjournments without substantive hearings.
FDC party president Patrick Amuriat Oboi, Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo Acom, and Soroti City West Division MP Jonathan Ebwalu appeared before Her Worship Hilda Bakanansa Walaga at Soroti Chief Magistrate’s Court on today, only for their cases to be pushed to later dates.
The first case, relating to allegations of destroying Jozan Nursery and Primary School property in Soroti City’s Eastern Division, was adjourned to May 15 due to the absence of the state attorney.
A second case tied to the opposition’s controversial “No Cow, No Vote” campaign, implicating all three leaders, was also postponed to May 29.
Addressing journalists outside the courtroom, Patrick Amuriat expressed outrage, accusing the judiciary of deliberately frustrating opposition politicians through endless summonses and costly, time-wasting appearances.
“…This is a total waste of our time and resources. The court was aware of our appearance coinciding with proceedings in other courts, yet they still summoned us…,” Amuriat said. “…They are making us spend money that the government will not refund. This is a terrible mission orchestrated by the court…”
Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo echoed the frustration, emphasizing that the repeated adjournments were an affront to the principle of justice.
“…It is unjust for a court to continuously adjourn cases without valid reasons. This undermines justice and accountability…,” Alobo said.
Jonathan Ebwalu, also visibly agitated, joined his colleagues in condemning the judiciary’s handling of opposition cases, calling it a clear manifestation of political persecution.
“…This is nothing short of politically motivated judicial harassment…,” Ebwalu said. “…The aim is to intimidate us and cripple the opposition’s momentum, but we shall not be deterred…”
Attempts to reach FDC lawyer Moses Junior Okot Bitek, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kioga County in Amolatar District, for comment were unsuccessful by press time.
The developments have sparked wider concerns among opposition supporters in Soroti and beyond, who view the ongoing legal battles as part of a broader pattern of political suppression ahead of the 2026 general elections.
