KAMPALA—Controversy has engulfed the Association of Uganda Tour Operators (AUTO) as members and legal representatives demand the cancellation of upcoming elections, citing multiple violations of constitutional procedures and governance standards. A petition submitted by a section of AUTO members, through M/S Atuhairwe and Company Advocates, asserts that the current executive committee has exceeded its lawful tenure, violating Article 14 (1) of the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
According to Article 14 (1), committee members serve an initial two-year term and may be re-elected for only one additional term. “The current executive committee has served two consecutive terms and is therefore barred from re-election,” stated a petitioner. The legal team warns of potential court action if the elections proceed.
Additionally, members accuse AUTO leadership of tampering with the official membership list and excluding individuals without their consent. They also criticize the decision to hold elections online without the required majority resolution.
The Uganda Tourism Association (UTA) President, Yewagnesh Biriggwa, also known as Yogi, intervened, requesting an urgent meeting to verify the claims and resolve issues before the elections. In a letter dated January 14, 2025, addressed to AUTO Chairperson Civy Tumusiime, Biriggwa expressed concern over the apparent unconstitutional changes. The controversy has drawn widespread condemnation from tourism stakeholders, with critics describing the process as an affront to democratic principles.