Summary:
Amuriat emphasized that “No Cow, No Vote” serves as a demand notice to the Museveni administration, requiring the fulfillment of pledges made over multiple electoral cycles.
KAMPALA: The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president, Patrick Amuriat Oboi, has stated that the “No Cow, No Vote” campaign is an FDC-led call urging the NRM government to account for its unfulfilled promises to the people of Uganda before seeking another term in office.
While chairing the FDC Kawempe North By-election review meeting at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi, Kampala, on Tuesday, Amuriat emphasized that “No Cow, No Vote” serves as a demand notice to the Museveni administration, requiring the fulfillment of pledges made over multiple electoral cycles.
He warned that failure to do so would result in a loss of votes.
“Every sub-region in the country has its own campaign issues, and the FDC intends to visit these regions to highlight the failures of the current administration that directly impact the people,” Amuriat said.
He noted that the planned launch of the Greater North Campaign covering Lango, Acholi, West Nile, and Teso—was scheduled for March 7, 2025, in Soroti City. This event, organized by FDC Members of Parliament from Teso, was meant to address the pressing concerns of the sub-region.
However, police disrupted the event, arresting and arraigning in court several party leaders, including Party President Hon. Acom Joan Alobo (City Woman MP, Soroti), Hon. Jonathan Ebwalu (MP, Soroti City West), Mr. Sam Acaitum (FDC Chairman, Soroti City Northern Division), and two other members, on what Amuriat termed as trumped-up charges.
Amuriat explained that the Greater North Campaign aims to recognize and advocate for the rights of the deprived and underprivileged communities in the region. Key demands include:
- Full compensation for livestock and human lives lost during the first decade of NRM rule.
- Compensation for lives lost during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in the Greater North region, as well as rewards for auxiliary forces such as the Arrow Boys (Teso) and Amuka (Lango).
- Implementation of agreements reached with fighting groups in the West Nile sub-region, such as the West Nile Bank Front (WNBF).
- Early discussions on compensation for land loss, environmental damage, and equitable sharing of oil revenue from the recently discovered oil reserves in the Greater North region.
- Opposition to compulsory land acquisition by the government, particularly regarding customary land.
- Respect for human rights, as enshrined in Uganda’s National Constitution.
Despite police interference, Amuriat reaffirmed the FDC’s commitment to resuming activities soon.
“A comprehensive program for our nationwide campaign will be released to the public after internal consultations,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to the people of Teso, particularly the FDC MPs and local leadership, for their solidarity. He also commended the legal team, led by FDC Legal Secretary Hon. Moses Okot Jr. Bitek (MP, Kyoga County), and supported by Hon. Adeke (MP, Soroti District), Omongole and Company Advocates, as well as Counsels Gabriel Ogire and Edmond Elasu, for their dedicated representation.
Amuriat condemned the increasingly stringent bail conditions imposed by courts, stating that they are being weaponized against political activism.
“Instead of ensuring suspects report to court, these conditions have been made punitive. This situation is worsened by pressure from NRM functionaries and military officers in areas where serious issues remain unaddressed,” he noted.
He further warned that the restriction of political space will undermine democracy and could push political players toward desperate means to bring about the desired change in the country.
