By Joshua Olomo
Kwania, Uganda | The Kwania District Commercial Department has suspended the operations of Kwania United Motorcyclists Association (KUMCA) following a leadership dispute that has divided members and resulted in the emergence of two parallel administrations.
The suspension follows separate elections conducted by rival factions within the association, each claiming legitimacy and electing its own leadership team.
The first election was held on March 5, 2026, at Aduku Bus Park, where Geoffrey Oyugi was elected chairperson after securing 97 votes against Bonny Okello’s 63 votes from a total of 160 votes cast. During the same election, Jimmy Omoo was elected unopposed as vice chairperson, Walter Engola as secretary and Maxwell Ogwal as treasurer.
However, on June 10, 2026, a separate group of members conducted another election at Aduku Town Council Hall and elected Walter Opyene as chairperson. Opyene garnered nine votes, defeating Pius Okwir, who received three votes, and Edmond Elem, who secured four votes.
The parallel elections deepened divisions within the association, with members split between the two factions.
Kwania District Commercial Officer Emmanuel Felix Okwanga said his office intervened after receiving complaints and requests for guidance from members regarding the ongoing leadership dispute.
According to Okwanga, the June election was attended by only 17 members despite the association drawing membership from all the 11 sub-counties in Kwania District.
He explained that the district could not recognize any leadership elected without broad participation from members across the district.
He added that his office intends to first educate members on the operations and management of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) before fresh elections can be organized.
Kwania Deputy Resident District Commissioner Abraham Aturu said the dispute could undermine efforts to position boda boda riders to benefit from government programmes.
Aturu noted that the Government’s plan to support boda boda SACCOs with funding under President Yoweri Museveni’s pledge remains on course but requires a united and inclusive association representing all riders in the district.
Geoffrey Oyugi, who heads one of the factions, said the Commercial Officer had earlier advised members to postpone elections until representatives from all the district’s sub-counties could participate.
Meanwhile, Walter Engola accused former leaders of attempting to cling to power despite growing demands for change within the association.
He claimed that efforts to register a SACCO had progressed before another group allegedly organized parallel elections without involving the wider membership.
On his part, Walter Opyene defended his election and said his leadership intends to establish a boda boda SACCO and follow up on motorcycle loan opportunities that were reportedly promised to riders through the national boda boda union.
The district authorities have since directed both factions to halt association activities until the leadership dispute is resolved and a legally recognized structure is established.
The suspension comes at a time when government is encouraging boda boda riders across the country to organize themselves into SACCOs to improve access to financing and other economic empowerment programmes.