UNAA chooses new leader, but disorganisation, chaos highlights the day; Many go without food

Ugandans in North America under their umbrella body, UNAA, held general elections during the annual convention in Chicago on September 3, amidst chaotic sidelines.

NRM-claimed- Henrietta Wamala won the presidential poll by 11 votes (242) beating close competitor and people power tipped candidate John Julius Muwulya (231 votes).

Also in the presidential race were; Maj Frank Musisi, whose coalition with UNAA renegade Daniel Kawuma, managed 191 votes, while Patrick Ogwanga came distant fourth with 87 votes.

Lydia Natolo emerged winner in the Vice President poll with 251 votes, 80 more than her closest competitor, John Bisegerwa.

The elections were held in the background of chronic chaos, which has been a trait of UNAA’s conventions from time to time.

Accordingly, the chaos emanated from an overbooked boat cruise as well as under planned food deliveries.

Kayongo Roger, a delegate, the organization and execution bar was lowered too low during the 2019 UNAA Chicago convention.

“Poor communication across the board, folks waiting in line for 3+ hours for the boat cruise, no kids programming, not enough food during the dinner, the list goes on. Through it all, no word/apology from the leadership team.”

Daniel Kawuma, a former presidential aspirant maintained that he has not attended a disorganized convention like this.

“This has been one of the most disorganized conventions I have attended. Oversold tickets!! Some guests haven’t been served food and not even enough seats...New leadership indeed has their work cut out!!”

“It’s saddening. I was lucky to get food, was one of the last ones while many still in line didn’t get food.

The hotel says they were given a 600 headcount for dinner and provided 600 plates but we know over 600 had registered for the dinner at convention kick-off. If true, why wouldn’t the hotel be updated unless the issue was then more money had to be paid and some folks didn’t want to cough it out? Also maybe I am naive but this plate count thing instead of a set timeframe, what if some people take more than one plate to “separate” their food? There is a lack of passion to serve and more need to benefit from UNAA from the executive and organizers.” Henry Bukenya, another delegate lamented.

Nile Post understands that UNAA ordered food for about 400 delegates but took money from over 700 delegates which left many disgruntled rowdy delegates at the Hyatt-Regency in Chicago.

The Dinner Boat Cruise was no exception, over 200 delegates who paid for the Dinner Cruise were left on the Pier as Cruise was oversold. Some revelers were overheard complaining why UNAA always gets very small Yachts while taking money from delegates.

“Even a pregnant woman fainted while delegates tried to fight to get on the boat cruise,” a one Jay Kasenge claimed.

Police called in

The police were summoned to reign over the chaos at the convention, while several participants were grumbling on why the government spent so much money on the election. Sources in North America intimated to the Nile Post that the Convention was literally free for most delegates, some got free hotel accommodation and air tickets.

The government of Uganda gives UNAA over $ 100,000 annually which is mostly spent on organizing the annual Party on North America’s Labor Day Weekend.

“Someone please educate me, why would UG gov't finance an entity in the USA to the tune of $100k, as if there are no pressing priorities back home, in health, education, security sectors. Is this also part of MDGs?” Samuel Baguma posed.

Another delegate, a one Henry Ndawula quipped: “I have asked myself this question more than a thousand times. That is the main reason I resolved never to return to UNNA. Not until that sponsorship is done away with. We don’t need it. It’s a contradiction and reaps off the Ugandan peasants. Period.”

The lines for the Dinner Cruise lasted almost three hours, and ironically, to the dismay of everyone the Cruise lasted for less than an hour.

The speeches were too many almost until 2.00 A.M, Chameleon’s chance to entertain guests came at 2.00 am when the majority of revelers were upset and had left. Disappointed, Chameleone announced during his performance that this was his last UNAA Show.

"I’m done with UNAA, John Blaq I’m leaving this for you, Me I’m done with this mess," he said.