Soroti, Uganda | The Soroti Chief Magistrate’s Court has dismissed a high-profile case in which Soroti City Woman MP, Hon. Joan Alobo Acom, and twelve co-accused faced charges of arson, malicious damage, housebreaking, theft, and incitement to violence, all linked to destruction at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in March 2025.
Chief Magistrate Hilda Bakanansa Walaga ruled on Monday that the prosecution had failed to pursue the case with due diligence, a legal term known as “want of prosecution.”
She noted that the accused had complied with all court requirements, including attending hearings and fulfilling bail conditions, while the prosecution failed to present evidence or witnesses.
The magistrate ordered that all bail deposits be refunded.
The 13 accused included Osege Joseph (22), Obura Solomon (23), Egumu Joseph, Okiror Emmanuel, Odongo James (29), Okello Stephen, Akiror Norah (31), Ogwel Juma (20), Olipa Moses (25), Idakun Sam (21), Okol Joseph (18), MP Joan Alobo Acom, and Obonyo Mark.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Paul Okello, had accused the group of willfully setting fire to school property (arson), destroying essential school materials (malicious damage), breaking into school buildings and stealing property valued at around UGX 5 million (housebreaking and theft), and inciting residents to violence, with MP Alobo allegedly encouraging the destruction.
The charges arose after the body of five-year-old pupil Joan Faith Apio was found in a school latrine on March 6, 2025.
The discovery triggered violent demonstrations, during which the school was damaged and numerous arrests were made.
Defense lawyer Edmund Elasu described the ruling as a victory for justice, noting that the accusations were exaggerated and politically motivated.
He criticized the prosecution for failing to present evidence, arguing that it was implausible for an elected MP to commit theft of mattresses, food items, and school supplies.
The case coincided with a political protest led by Hon. Alobo and opposition leaders, including FDC President Eng. Patrick Amuriat Oboi and Hon. Jonathan Ebwalu, MP for Soroti West, under the slogan “No Cow, No Vote.”
The protest sought to pressure the government on long-standing cattle compensation demands in Teso, a matter that has affected communities since insurgencies in the 1980s and 1990s.
Hon. Alobo welcomed the dismissal, describing it as both personal and collective vindication.
She said the ruling would allow her to resume full parliamentary duties while continuing to pursue justice for the late pupil Apio Joan, whose murder remains unresolved.
The acquittal carries political significance in Teso, strengthening Alobo’s position as a rising opposition figure. Analysts suggest it could consolidate her grassroots support ahead of the 2026 elections.
However, critics caution that the association with violent demonstrations may affect her appeal among conservative voters.
Local residents celebrated the court decision, saying the charges were an attempt to silence the MP.
The case highlights broader questions about Uganda’s judicial system, the role of prosecution in politically sensitive cases, and the balance between public protest and law enforcement.
By dismissing the charges, the court underscored that political leaders cannot be held indefinitely under unproven allegations, while the unresolved murder of Apio Joan Faith remains a stark reminder of challenges in protecting vulnerable children.
