Amuriat, Soroti MPs’ unlawful assembly case faces fresh delay

__________________

For the second time in a row, the absence of the state prosecutor forced the adjournment of the case in which Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat and two Soroti city MPs are charged with unlawful assembly, burning tyres, and throwing stones.

The MPs are Joan Alobo (Woman MP) and Jonathan Ebwalu (West Division MP), while their co-accused are Sam Acheitum, Sylus Emedu, and Albert Ogalamu.

The case was scheduled on Monday, April 28, for mention before Soroti Chief Magistrate Hilda Bakanasa Walaga, who adjourned it to May 29 this year, citing the prosecutor’s indisposition.

Magistrate Walaga informed the court that the state prosecutor was involved in a High Court session and therefore could not attend.

This did not sit well with defence lawyer Moses Okot Bitek, who described the development as a deliberate attempt to deny his clients justice.



Speaking to journalists, Amuriat accused the state of using delaying tactics to frustrate them and drain their resources by making them report to court repeatedly.

He also criticised the court for scheduling their next appearance on a date already known to coincide with another High Court session for prosecutors.



Separately, Alobo is facing additional charges alongside 12 other Soroti residents. They are accused of arson, malicious damage, breaking into Jozan Nursery and Primary School, inciting violence, and theft. Their case has been adjourned to May 15.

Despite her legal woes, Alobo expressed gratitude to the government for allocating sh150b to the Acholi, Lango, and Teso regions as compensation.



The politicians were arrested in Soroti after organising a protest disguised as prayers to demand delayed compensation for the Iteso and the release of Dr Kizza Besigye. Police accused them of misleading authorities, noting that instead of prayers, the group burned tyres and blocked traffic, and confirmed the suspects would be presented in court on Monday.