Africa-Press – Uganda. Chaos erupted at the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) headquarters on Wednesday morning after a group of enraged traders forcefully locked suspended chairperson Thaddeus Musoke inside his office, accusing him of defying a formal suspension and attempting to cling to power.
The dramatic scenes unfolded when Musoke arrived at the premises and tried to convene a meeting with traders—just days after the KACITA executive committee had issued a letter suspending him from his position over alleged involvement in partisan politics, contrary to the association’s constitution.
According to eyewitnesses, traders stormed the meeting room, locked Musoke inside, and blocked all access points, declaring that he was no longer in charge.
He remained confined for several hours until police officers from Central Police Station (CPS) intervened and helped him leave the premises.
Emerging visibly distressed and sweating, Musoke wiped away tears and accused his colleagues of betrayal and politically motivated persecution.
“I have been left stranded. My colleagues have ganged up against me. They claim I am using my NRM party card, which they do not believe in,” he said.
The suspension letter, released earlier this week, accused Musoke of breaching KACITA’s constitution by openly engaging in political activities.
It barred him from performing any association duties or referring to himself as chairperson.
The board subsequently appointed former KACITA spokesperson Hajj Isa Sekitto as interim chairperson for a one-year term.
Sekitto has since officially assumed the role and defended the decision as both constitutional and necessary, citing internal consultations and previous warnings to Musoke about political involvement.
“He was warned but chose to engage in active political campaigns. This decision was made after careful deliberation and is rooted in the KACITA constitution,” Sekitto told journalists during a press briefing.
Sekitto also displayed official correspondence between the board and Musoke, stating that Musoke’s actions amounted to defiance and disregard for due process.
However, Musoke has rejected the suspension, describing the process as irregular and unlawful. In a separate letter, he accused some KACITA leaders of clinging to power and operating outside the bounds of the association’s constitution.
“I was surprised to learn of my suspension through the media. Some of those claiming to uphold the constitution have themselves overstayed in office,” Musoke said.
The leadership wrangle has left KACITA members divided. David Kintu, a trader and known supporter of Musoke, called the board’s decision rash and potentially politically charged.
“There are legal processes that should have been followed. This public humiliation was uncalled for,” Kintu said.
Other traders, however, welcomed the decision, insisting that the association must remain apolitical.
“We respect Mr. Musoke, but KACITA should not be dragged into politics. The constitution must be respected,” said one trader who requested anonymity.
As the dust settles, interim chairperson Sekitto has pledged to restore unity and steer the association back to its core mission of championing the interests of Kampala’s business community.
Meanwhile, Musoke has hinted at pursuing legal action against what he calls an unconstitutional removal, suggesting that the internal power struggle is far from over.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
