Soroti, Uganda – Soroti Chief Magistrate’s Court has set March 31, 2025, as the official start date for the trial of Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo Acom and 12 others.
The group is facing multiple charges related to the destruction of property at Jozan Nursery and Primary School in Kigandani Cell, Soroti City.
Their first court appearance was on March 10, 2025, before Soroti Chief Magistrate Her Worship Hilda Bakanansa Walaga.
The accused face five serious charges stemming from a March 6, 2025, incident, which followed public outrage over the handling of a murder case involving the school.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Paul Okello, alleges that the group willfully set fire to school property, including a canteen, furniture and learning materials, an offense under Sections 314 (19) (b) and (c) of the Penal Code Act.
They are also accused of malicious damage to property under Section 312, with claims that they destroyed books, chalk, a perimeter fence and other essential school assets.
Additionally, the suspects are charged with housebreaking under Section 277, as well as attempted theft and theft under Sections 237 and 244.
The prosecution alleges that they broke into school buildings and stole mattresses, beds, windows, doors, metallic boxes, maize flour, tables and other items, all valued at approximately UGX 5 million.
In a separate charge, MP Joan Alobo Acom is accused of incitement to violence under Section 79 of the Penal Code Act.
Prosecutors allege that, in her capacity as a Member of Parliament, she encouraged members of the public to destroy property belonging to the school.
The state has confirmed that investigations into the matter are complete and the prosecution is ready to proceed.