The Kyazanga Town Council witnessed a dramatic scene as members of the Kyazanga Tax Drivers and Conductors Association gathered to elect new leaders. The event, however, was marred by disagreements, accusations, and even physical altercations, highlighting deep divisions within the association.
Disputes Over Eligibility and Voting Process
The election process was thrown into disarray when some members questioned the eligibility of certain candidates. One faction argued that only active taxi drivers and conductors should be allowed to vote, while another group insisted that even those who had left the profession within the last two years should participate. This disagreement led to heated exchanges and a temporary halt in the proceedings.
Joseph Bukenya, a candidate for the chairperson position, accused his opponents of being ineligible to vote, claiming they were no longer active in the taxi business. He argued that allowing them to vote would undermine the integrity of the election. His supporters echoed his sentiments, leading to further tension.
Intervention by Security and Local Authorities
The situation escalated when Bashiiru Mugenyi, a taxi driver, accused the local police of locking the gates to prevent certain members from entering the venue. He claimed that the police were favoring one group over another, which only added to the chaos.
Ronald Kasule, the Community Development Officer (CDO) of Kyazanga, attempted to mediate the situation. However, his efforts were met with resistance, and he was eventually forced to leave the venue after being accused of bias. Some members even threatened him, leading to a brief scuffle. The police had to step in to restore order and ensure the election could proceed.
Election Results and New Leadership
Despite the disruptions, the election eventually took place, and the following individuals were elected to leadership positions:
Chairperson: Muhwezi Sulaiman
Vice Chairperson: Ssekajja Muzakiru
General Secretary: Kiraara Hasan
Treasurer: Niwagaba Baker
Advisor: Kateregga Deogracious
Reactions from Leaders and Members
Muhwezi Sulaiman, the newly elected chairperson, expressed his gratitude to the members for their trust. He pledged to lead with integrity and address the challenges facing the association. He also criticized the previous leadership for lacking transparency and promised to foster unity among members.
Hasan Kiraara, the newly elected general secretary, emphasized the importance of planning and discipline in the association. He thanked the members for their patience and promised to work diligently to improve the welfare of taxi drivers and conductors.
Maada Nanyanzi, the Mayor of Kyazanga Town Council, commended the association for holding the election despite the challenges. She urged the new leaders to focus on creating job opportunities for the youth, who often resort to illegal activities due to unemployment. She also condemned the use of excessive force by the police during the event.
Charles Kaweesi, the District Security Officer (DIS), called for calm and urged members to prioritize unity and professionalism. He warned against quick fixes and encouraged the new leadership to work towards long term solutions for the association's challenges.
Celebrations and Calls for Unity
After the election, the winners celebrated their victory, while other members called for unity and cooperation. The event highlighted the need for transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within the association to ensure its growth and success.
The election, though chaotic, marked a new chapter for the Kyazanga Tax Drivers and Conductors Association. The new leaders now face the task of uniting the members and addressing the issues that have plagued the association for years.
