TESO MPS LAUNCH “NO COW, NO VOTE” CAMPAIGN OVER UNPAID WAR COMPENSATION

NILE POST

Frustration is mounting in the Teso Sub-Region as opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) Jonathan Ebwalu and Joan Alobo Acom spearhead the “No Cow – No Vote” campaign.

The movement aims to pressure the government to fulfill its long-standing promise to compensate war victims for cattle lost during past insurgencies.

The MPs have vowed to rally the people of Teso to withhold their votes from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in the upcoming elections unless the compensation is fulfilled.

In 2020, President Museveni launched a cattle compensation initiative targeting war victims in Teso, Acholi, and Lango sub-regions.

However, the process has been painfully slow, with only a few receiving partial payments, leaving thousands of claimants without justice, and many have died without seeing any restitution.

The recent admission by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao that the government requires Shs 900 billion to fully settle the compensation claims has only fuelled the anger of the affected communities.

Mao acknowledged that meeting this financial demand in the near future would be difficult, further dashing hopes for timely compensation.

Jonathan Ebwalu, the Soroti City West MP, voiced his frustration over the government’s inaction, accusing Parliament of neglecting the matter.

He lamented that the issue had been excluded from the 2024/2025 financial budget, signaling that the people of Teso might continue to wait in vain.

“We are launching this campaign to let the government know that cattle compensation is a key issue. The government must pay the cows before coming to ask for votes in Teso,” Ebwalu declared, pledging to lead mass mobilisation against President Museveni and the NRM government until the compensation is fully addressed.

Joan Alobo Acom, Soroti Woman MP, echoed similar concerns, emphasizing that Teso elders had placed their hopes in the region’s leaders to push for their long-overdue compensation.

“It is disheartening that our people continue to suffer while the government ignores its commitment. Our elders are aging, and many have died without seeing justice. This is unacceptable,” Alobo stated.

She also cited additional concerns, including high poverty levels, a struggling education sector, and inadequate healthcare services in the region.

Alobo reminded the government of its unfulfilled promise to build a new referral hospital in Soroti, a commitment made following Dr. Joseph Epodoi’s successful surgery to separate conjoined twins.

The frustration over the delayed compensation has escalated tensions, with reports emerging that some Teso elders were recently arrested in Kampala after meeting with leaders of the National Unity Platform (NUP) to push for their compensation demands.

Opposition supporters are now planning a peaceful protest in Soroti on March 7, 2025, at Soroti Public Gardens to demand action. Among the key figures expected at the event is Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party President Patrick Amuriat Oboi.

Alobo has warned security forces against interfering with the protest, asserting that they have officially notified authorities about their planned activities.
“This is a peaceful demonstration. We have followed the law and expect the police to respect our constitutional rights,” she said.

The “No Cow – No Vote” campaign is gaining momentum, with more leaders and citizens rallying behind the cause. As the 2026 elections draw closer, opposition leaders hope to use the movement to exert pressure on the government to deliver on its promises.

For many in Teso, this campaign represents more than just compensation—it is a fight for dignity, justice, and accountability from a government that has long overlooked their suffering.