Gulu Market leaders' petition RCC over power struggle

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The Office of the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) in Gulu city has stepped in to contain escalating tensions within the Gulu Main Market Vendor Association, as a leadership dispute deepens between rival factions.

The conflict, which intensified this week, pits supporters of chairperson Patrick Omaya against a group aligned with general secretary Santo Obura and vice-chairperson Florence Oyella Lagen.

Peter Banya, the Deputy RCC in charge of Laroo-Pece Division, confirmed receiving the complaint and said both sides have been summoned to a security committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)

On April 27, 2026, Obura’s faction petitioned the Office of the President, seeking urgent intervention over what they describe as a governance crisis within the association that has more than 4,000 members.

Peter Banya, the Deputy RCC in charge of Laroo-Pece Division, confirmed receiving the complaint and said both sides have been summoned to a security committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday (April 29) to present their cases and find a resolution.

Obura and his supporters accuse Omaya of poor leadership, lack of accountability, and mismanagement of the association’s assets.

They further allege that he altered the association’s constitution to extend his tenure beyond the stipulated two-term limit.

According to the group, their mandate, which began on March 27, 2023, expired in March 2026, and the failure to conduct elections has left the current leadership in office illegally.

They are now calling for the formation of an interim administration to oversee fresh elections under the supervision of city authorities.

The faction has also rejected the proposed line-up voting method, arguing it is vulnerable to manipulation.

However, Omaya has dismissed the allegations, instead blaming his executive team for failing to manage the association during his absence for further studies in 2023.

He claims he returned to find financial irregularities within the SACCO, prompting him to take control of the association’s lorry to recover lost funds.

Omaya says he has since cleared outstanding debts and revived the SACCO, and maintains that he still holds the mandate to organize elections in line with the association’s constitution.

Gulu Main Market Vendor Association chairperson Patrick Omaya dancing with some of his supporters. (Photo by Christopher Nyeko)

He adds that preparations are underway, including a delegates’ meeting scheduled for May 2, where representatives from 29 sectors will convene ahead of a general election.

The outcome of the dispute is expected to depend on deliberations at Wednesday’s security meeting.

Gulu Main Market, constructed under the government’s Markets and Agriculture Improvement Programme, accommodates over 4,500 traders and serves as a key hub for agricultural trade in Northern Uganda.