A bitter leadership dispute within the Kampala City Traders Association(KACITA) has entered a tense new phase, with rival factions refusing to concede defeat despite an attempted resolution mediated by the association’s patron.
For the past two weeks, the association has been embroiled in a standoff, with both outgoing chairperson Musoke and rival contender Issa Sekitto claiming victory in separate elections.
The latest chapter unfolded today at International Hotel in Muyenga, where patron Godfrey Kirumira chaired a heated meeting aimed at ending the deadlock.
Representatives from both sides attended, with the meeting culminating in a joint resolution naming Sekitto as substantive chairperson for a one-year term, after which fresh elections will be held.
The agreement, signed by both contestants and the entire board, also called for the reopening of the association’s offices and an immediate handover of duties to Sekitto.
Kirumira praised the compromise, urging unity among traders and advising Musoke to focus on his political ambitions, with the possibility of returning to the association in future.
However, tensions flared moments later when Musoke abruptly walked out of the meeting, flanked by security officers, and declined to address the press.
His departure raised questions over whether the agreement would hold.
Sekitto, meanwhile, vowed to serve the traders “diligently and without bias,” promising to organize credible elections at the end of his one-year tenure.
Later in the day, Musoke’s loyalists convened an emergency meeting, declaring the Muyenga resolution null and void.
Speaking to journalists, Musoke’s deputy claimed their leader had been sidelined and denied a fair chance to participate in the meeting.
He insisted that Musoke remains the legitimate leader of Kaciita and that their faction would continue discharging its duties.
The rift stems from Musoke’s entry into politics, a move some members argue violates the association’s constitution.
In recent weeks, both factions have held separate elections—Sekitto’s victory was followed by Musoke’s self-styled inauguration just a day later—only for each leadership to be swiftly challenged by the opposing camp.
With accusations of dishonesty and misconduct flying between the two groups, the fate of Kaciita’s leadership remains uncertain, leaving traders caught in the middle of a deepening crisis