Kirumira intervenes in KACITA leadership crisis

KAMPALA - In a move to restore calm and stability within one of Uganda's oldest and most influential traders’ associations, the patron of the Kampala City Traders’ Association (KACITA_Uganda), Godfrey Kirumira, has stepped in to mediate an escalating leadership dispute that threatens to paralyse the organisation.

Kirumira, who is the Honorary Consul of Namibia to Uganda and Chairperson of the powerful Kwagalana Group, an umbrella body for some of Kampala’s wealthiest businessmen, has reportedly summoned the warring factions for a closed-door meeting today (Monday), upon his return from official duties abroad.

One of KACITA’s senior executives confirmed this development, calling it a “much-needed intervention.”

The roots of the crisis

The turmoil began on August 4, 2025, when KACITA’s General Secretary, Timothy Baguma, released a statement announcing the expulsion of acting Chairman Thadeus Musoke, citing political involvement as the main reason.

The statement claimed the Executive Board had met and resolved to replace Musoke with veteran traders' advocate Hajji Isa Sekitto as the new acting chairperson for a one-year transitional period.

The communication, circulated through KACITA’s official channels, asserted that the leadership change aimed to restore order and focus within the association, and that Musoke's growing involvement in national politics, reportedly with the ruling NRM party, had become inconsistent with KACITA's apolitical stance.

Musoke strikes back

Musoke, however, rejected the decision outright. In a swift countermeasure, he expelled all Executive Members involved in what he described as an “unconstitutional coup”, including Baguma and Sekitto. 

He pointed to Article 21 of KACITA’s constitution, which clearly outlines procedures and valid grounds for removing a chairperson, none of which, he argued, apply to his case.

“There is no clause in our constitution that allows for the expulsion of a leader due to political association. This was a personal attack disguised as policy,” Musoke said. He defended his record, highlighting his role in reviving KACITA’s dormant Annual Business Awards, unifying factions during a previous leadership vacuum, and enhancing the association’s visibility in advocating for traders’ rights.

Musoke also convened an Extraordinary General Meeting at the association's Kampala offices on Saturday, where it was resolved that fresh elections will be held on December 5, 2025, during KACITA’s end-of-year celebrations. Members will, for the first time in recent years, directly vote for their preferred leaders.

Additionally, Musoke demanded a public apology from those who attempted to remove him, accusing them of locking him in his office during Thursday’s confrontation,a matter he has since reported to the police.

Ssekito’s camp holds ground

On the other side, Ssekito’s team maintains that the Executive Board’s decision stands, insisting Musoke is no longer chairman. They accuse him of politicising the association and undermining its core mandate of championing traders’ rights and economic interests.

“KACITA is a traders’ organisation, not a political platform,” said Sekitto. “If anyone wants to join politics, they should resign and do so outside the association. We need a focused leadership that can dialogue with government without being partisan.”

Nevertheless, Sekitto admitted that collaborating with the government is essential, especially when addressing business challenges such as taxation, urban planning, and market regulation.

“Engagement with state institutions is necessary, but not at the cost of the association’s neutrality.”

Kirumira’s intervention

Amid the back-and-forth, the intervention of Godfrey Kirumira is being seen as potentially decisive. With his vast influence, diplomatic experience, and deep ties to both the business and political worlds, Kirumira is uniquely positioned to reunite the fractured leadership and steer KACITA back to its core mission.

His involvement underscores the urgency and importance of restoring stability within the organisation. 

For years, KACITA has been a critical bridge between Uganda’s business community and government, lobbying on key issues such as taxation, import/export regulations, power tariffs, and trade policy.

With the current internal turmoil, traders fear losing a platform that has long served as their voice.

“If KACITA collapses under leadership confusion, small traders will have no structured channel to engage government on their pressing challenges,” noted one member.