The leadership wrangle within the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) has intensified, with Thaddeus Musoke Naggenda introducing a new 20-member executive team that largely excludes the former leadership.
Only patron Godfrey Kirumira retained his position in the shake-up, as Musoke swept aside nearly all members of the old guard. Rival Issa Sekitto’s camp was branded “illegal” under the KACITA constitution.
“Those who choose to work with that committee will be doing so at their own risk,” Musoke warned during a press briefing at the association’s Kampala headquarters.
The dispute, which has disrupted KACITA’s operations for months, began after Musoke was ousted by the previous executive over allegations of political involvement — a charge he rejects. Since then, both Musoke and Sekitto have claimed the chairmanship, each installing parallel leadership structures.
At the unveiling, KACITA founding member Livingston Zziwa, now appointed mediator between the factions, expressed concern that the feud was undermining the association’s work. He called for unity and reconciliation.
Sekitto has recently maintained that he remains in full control of KACITA, but Musoke dismissed the assertion, urging traders to “unite and restore normal activities.”
The newly constituted leadership is headed by elected chairman David Kintu Segirinya, who vowed to revitalise the organisation. He also cautioned those planning an August 17 protest that the “old leadership” would not be permitted to regain control.
With KACITA’s offices reopened, Musoke invited members to bring forward their concerns, voicing optimism that “constructive dialogue will replace factional battles.”