Boda Boda motorcyclists in Kitgum district are set to elect parallel leaders following bitter disagreements with their current leadership.
Pido Simon, one of Boda Boda leaders in Kitgum municipality said on Monday they plan to elect new leaders on 30th April at the Kitgum District council hall.
Pido said the election comes in the wake of serious disagreements between members and Lam Eugene Okumu, the chairperson of Kitgum Boda Boda Motorcyclists Association. They accused him of personalizing the association and driving off other members of the executive due to his dictatorial leadership style.
“He is the chairman, general secretary, treasurer, he is now everything; running the association single-handedly. Because of his leadership style, other executive members have left quietly,” Pido said.
Pido and other members allege that Lam has refused to convene Annual General Meetings since 2004 when he was first elected into office. That he has failed to do so for fearing to account for association funds since then. They say he is also past his time in office and is leading illegally.
About three weeks ago, close to 100 boda boda riders camped at the office of resident district commissioner, Komakech William, to register their grievances.
The RDC had last year offered to mediate between Lam and members when the tensions then threatened to turn ugly.
Komakech told the furious riders then that election period had affected his schedule to meet with Lam but added he met him after elections where he requested for more time to prepare accountability and mobilize members for an Annual General Meeting.
“I want to inform you that your chairman has never returned since we met about two months ago,” Komakech said.
Three leaders were selected to meet Lam together with the RDC. But sources said the team never met Lam reportedly because he failed to answer RDC’s call.
Odokonyero Geoffrey, another boda boda rider, said members are unsure of the actual amount of money the association has raised for the last 12 years through membership fees and other collections.
Col. Fearless Obwoya, coordinator Operation Wealth Creation who also attended the impromptu meeting advised the boda boda members to ensure the issue of accountability was settled before rushing for elections.
“You cannot rush for elections when you don’t know the financial status of your association. If the money is not accounted for, then the issue should end up with jail then election can take place,” Obwoya said then.
However, Pido told Acholi Times they had opted to forego the issue of accountability and proceed with elections.
There are suspicions that Lam and others changed the status of the association into a private company limited.
