Frustration is boiling over in Uganda’s Teso Sub-Region as opposition MPs Jonathan Ebwalu and Joan Alobo Acom lead the “No Cow – No Vote” campaign.
The movement aims to pressure the government to fulfill its promise to compensate war victims for cattle lost during past insurgencies.
With elections approaching, the MPs have vowed to rally Teso residents to withhold their votes from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) until the compensation is paid.
A Broken Promise
In 2020, President Museveni launched a cattle compensation initiative for war victims in Teso, Acholi, and Lango sub-regions.
However, the process has been sluggish, with only a fraction of claimants receiving partial payments.
Many victims have died waiting for justice, and the recent admission by Justice Minister Norbert Mao that the government needs Shs 900 billion to settle the claims has only deepened the frustration.
Mao acknowledged that raising such funds would be challenging, further dampening hopes for timely compensation. This has left the people of Teso feeling abandoned and betrayed.
MPs Take a Stand
Soroti City West MP Jonathan Ebwalu has been vocal about the government’s inaction, accusing Parliament of sidelining the issue.
He revealed that the 2024/2025 budget excluded the compensation, signaling continued neglect.
“The government must pay the cows before coming to ask for votes in Teso,” Ebwalu declared, pledging to mobilize mass opposition against the NRM until the matter is resolved.
Soroti Woman MP Joan Alobo Acom echoed these sentiments, highlighting the plight of aging elders who have waited decades for justice.
“Many have died without seeing restitution. This is unacceptable,” she said.
Alobo also pointed to broader issues in Teso, including poverty, a struggling education system, and inadequate healthcare.
She reminded the government of its unfulfilled promise to build a referral hospital in Soroti, a commitment made after Dr. Joseph Epodoi’s successful separation of conjoined twins.
Related: Teso Victims Awarded Shs74 Million in Landmark Human Rights Compensation
Rising Tensions and Planned Protests
The delayed compensation has sparked growing unrest. Recently, some Teso elders were arrested in Kampala after meeting with National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders to push for their demands.
In response, opposition supporters are planning a peaceful protest on March 7, 2025, at Soroti Public Gardens. Key figures, including FDC President Patrick Amuriat Oboi, are expected to attend.
Alobo has warned security forces against interfering, emphasizing that the protest is lawful and peaceful.
“We have followed the law and expect the police to respect our constitutional rights,” she stated.
A Fight for Justice and Dignity
The “No Cow – No Vote” campaign is gaining traction, uniting leaders and citizens in a demand for accountability.
For many in Teso, this movement is not just about compensation—it’s a fight for dignity and justice from a government that has long ignored their suffering.
