Soroti, Uganda – Political leaders in Teso have launched a bold campaign dubbed “No Cow, No Vote,” demanding the government pay long-overdue war compensation before the 2026 general elections.
Led by Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu and Soroti Woman MP Joan Alobo, the campaign urges residents to withhold their votes unless the government fulfills its promise to compensate those who lost livestock and loved ones during the insurgencies.
At a press conference held at Soroti Public Gardens, MP Ebwalu accused the NRM government of failing the people of Teso despite multiple court rulings mandating compensation.
“Teso was once a wealthy region, but since the NRM took over in 1986, we have been reduced to beggars,” he said. “The courts ruled that adults killed must be compensated with UGX 20 million, children with UGX 10 million and UGX 3 million for property damages-but to this day, nothing has been done.”
Ebwalu criticized the Attorney General for appealing these court rulings, calling it a deliberate attempt to deny justice.
He vowed that Teso would no longer tolerate empty promises.
MP Joan Alobo dismissed claims that compensation had already been paid, arguing that the little money distributed was inadequate.
“Families lost dozens of cows, yet those who claim to have been compensated received amounts that cannot even buy half a cow,” she said. “Our people deserve better, and we will not stop until justice is served.”
Alobo also criticized the government for neglecting public services, highlighting the failure to upgrade Soroti Regional Referral Hospital despite its role in high-profile medical achievements, such as the 2022 separation of conjoined twins.
Both MPs called on all political parties to support the cause, declaring that no candidate would receive Teso’s votes without delivering compensation.
“This is not about political parties,” Ebwalu emphasized. “Whether you belong to NRM, FDC, or NUP, we must unite for our people’s rights. If the government will not pay for our cows, we will not vote.”
The official launch of the “No Cow, No Vote” campaign is scheduled for Friday, March 7, 2025, at Soroti Public Gardens, with FDC President Patrick Amuriat Oboi expected to lead the event.
The call for compensation is not new. In October 2023, Justice Henry Adonyo ordered the government to pay over 3,000 Teso war claimants, yet many victims report receiving nothing.
Frustrated with the NRM’s inaction, Teso leaders are exploring new political alliances.
Recently, a delegation led by Julius Ochen met with National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) to discuss a collaborative push for compensation.
However, following their meeting, security forces arrested 40 Teso elders as they prepared to return home.
The “No Cow, No Vote” campaign represents a growing movement to hold the government accountable and to ensure Teso’s demands are heard before the next election.