Igara Growers Tea Factory in Kyamuhunga, Bushenyi District has been thrown into turmoil after a court order barred the outgoing board from confirming new directors, prompting shareholder unrest and the formation of a temporary management committee.
The leadership crisis at the factory erupted following the end of the outgoing board’s term. The company, which had spent three consecutive years without holding an annual general meeting due to internal conflicts and debt challenges, finally scheduled one to approve new directors.
However, as the meeting commenced, the outgoing board received a civil High Court injunction from Kampala restraining them from confirming the newly elected directors until pending cases against the company are resolved.
“An interim order restrains the respondent (Igara Growers Tea Factory Limited), its officers, or any other person acting under its authority from conducting, proceeding with, confirming, or in any way holding the election of directors-elect at its general meeting presently scheduled for October 17, 2025 (or any adjourned date) pending the hearing and final determination of Company Cause No. 36 of 2025,” reads part of the court order signed by Justice Simon Peter Kinobe on October 16, 2025.
The injunction shocked the outgoing board, prompting the chairman to abruptly stop the meeting and order police to disperse shareholders from the factory premises.
“By the copy of the court order that was available, it only restrained one agenda item—confirming the directors-elect—not the entire meeting. So we don’t understand why the chairman abruptly stopped the meeting,” said Willis Bashasha, a shareholder.
Outgoing chairman Sam Muhereza expressed frustration, noting that extensive preparations, including tents, sound systems, and hiring MCs, had already been made for a smooth meeting.
“We only received the order yesterday evening. If these individuals truly cared for the factory, why not submit it earlier?” he questioned.
Following their removal from the premises, shareholders convened at a nearby church and unanimously resolved to form an interim management committee to run the factory until court cases are concluded.
Lawyer George Lukwago of Tumukunde Co. Advocates said the interim committee must notify the Registrar of Companies to legitimize its operations.
Muhereza, however, dismissed the committee’s authority, insisting that the factory is governed by established laws and guidelines.
“Whatever they have done is just bush politics. The company operates on laws, and the old board must remain until a new one is legally approved,” he stated.
The interim committee, led by Willis Bashasha, said its goal is to restore farmer confidence and boost tea quality.
“This is a temporary arrangement to fill the leadership vacuum. We want to encourage farmers to resume supplying green leaf and ensure quality until we are formally recognized,” Bashasha said.
