Masaka Mubuulo Market Elections Halted Over Disputed Nomination Rules

Leadership elections for the Mubuulo section of Nyendo Central Market in Masaka City have been suspended following widespread dissatisfaction among traders with the electoral committee and its nomination procedures. The decision to halt the elections, which were scheduled for this week, was made unanimously by traders during a contentious meeting.

Traders have accused the electoral committee, chaired by Grace Kisakye, of imposing stringent and unfair qualification criteria. A significant point of contention is the requirement for aspiring chairpersons to hold an Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE), while other leadership positions demand an Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE).

Furthermore, a non-refundable nomination fee of Shs500,000 has been deemed excessive by the traders, particularly as the market leadership positions are voluntary and do not come with a salary. “Charging Shs500,000 to contest is unfair and intended to discourage ordinary traders from standing for leadership,” stated Chrisestom Kyoobe, the outgoing chairperson.

Concerns were also raised about the transparency of the process, with reports of eligible candidates being denied nomination without adequate notice and a lack of clarity regarding who the other contenders were. The legitimacy of the electoral committee itself was questioned, with some members reportedly not being active traders in the market.

Another contentious rule barred current market leaders from seeking re-election, which some aspiring candidates described as discriminatory and a violation of democratic rights. While the electoral committee chairperson defended the fees as necessary to fund the election process, traders remained unconvinced.

In response to these grievances, traders voted to dissolve the current electoral committee and postpone the elections for one month. This delay is intended to allow for the establishment of new, more inclusive election guidelines and a new electoral committee, aiming for a transparent and credible process. The market’s last elections were held in July 2022, and the incumbent leaders’ terms have since expired.

Source: Nile Post