By Norbert Mao
A leadership crisis is unfolding within the Gulu Main Market Vendors Association, as a section of top officials and members openly accuse their chairperson, Patrick Omaya, of corruption, abuse of office, and failure to ensure transparency in the management of association resources.
The allegations were presented during a press conference held earlier on Monday, where the association’s General Secretary Santos Obura and Vice Chairperson, Oyella Florence Lagen alongside other leaders and vendors, expressed dissatisfaction with the current administration.
According to the group, the association under Omaya’s leadership has failed to uphold basic governance principles claiming that general meetings have not been convened for a long time, denying members the opportunity to participate in decision-making and receive accountability reports.
The leaders further allege that the chairman has been running the association in what they described as a “dictatorial style,” making unilateral decisions without consulting other executives or vendors.
A major concern raised during the briefing was the alleged lack of accountability for funds collected by the association.
The officials claim that at least UGX 650,000 shillings is collected weekly from two trucks operating under the association, but there has been no clear report on how the money is used. They also questioned the management of UGX 20 million shillings reportedly donated to the association by the President of Uganda.
The leaders say the ongoing issues have led to deep divisions within the association, affecting unity and the smooth operation of market activities. They warned that continued lack of transparency could further destabilise the leadership and undermine the welfare of vendors.
Another key concern raised is the failure by the current leadership to organise general elections.
The officials argue that their term of office has already expired, yet no steps have been taken to allow members to elect new leaders, which they say undermines democratic principles within the association.
However, in response to the allegations, Chairperson Patrick Omaya has strongly denied any wrongdoing. He explained that financial accountability is managed through designated committees, which are responsible for collecting and reporting on funds insisting that all monies received, including those from the trucks and external support, have been properly handled within the structures of the association.
The chairman also dismissed claims of dictatorship, saying decisions are made collectively and in accordance with the association’s guidelines. He accused some members of spreading misinformation to discredit his leadership.
The Gulu Main Market Vendors Association brings together hundreds of traders operating in one of the region’s busiest markets.
