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Vendors vs Chairman: Gulu market leadership row deepens

28 April 2026, 12:25 pm

The view of the main entrance to the Gulu main market. (Photo taken by Gift Okello)

By Gift Okello

Vendors at Gulu main Market have launched a scathing attack on their association chairman, Patrick Omaya, accusing him of gross abuse of office, financial opacity, and a systemic failure to follow governance protocols.

The grievances were aired during a press conference on Monday at Florida Hotel in Gulu City. A coalition of market leaders and vendors gathered to demand accountability, painting a picture of a leadership that has allegedly gone rogue.

A co-signatory to the association’s bank account claimed that Omaya has effectively neutralized other office bearers. The chairman stands accused of usurping the roles of the treasurer and the market’s transfer committee the body responsible for overseeing revenue from merchandise trucks.

Some of the market vendors of Gulu main market vendors association protesting the current leadership gaps at the main market.

Santo Obura, the market secretary, highlighted a significant breach of the association’s constitution, noting that no Annual General Meeting (AGM) has been held for over six years.

Obura Santo the market secretary on tampering with the constitution by the market leaderships.

The Vice Chairperson, Oyella Florence Lagen, didn’t mince words, calling for Omaya to step down immediately to pave the way for an independent probe. She further urged government authorities to suspend upcoming market elections until the current leadership crisis is resolved.

Oyella Florence Lagen the vice chairperson Gulu main market calling the chairperson to step down to allow forensics investigation.
Oyella Florence Lagen the vice chairperson Gulu main market vendors association (centered) addressing the press on Monday 27 April 2026.

Margaret Ocan, another prominent vendor, echoed these sentiments, accusing the chairman of “personalizing” market property and demonstrating general incompetence.

Ocan Margret prominent vendor on the mismanagement of the main market lorry.

In a swift rebuttal, Patrick Omaya dismissed the claims as a smear campaign. He argued that the allegations are politically motivated, orchestrated by rivals and outside sponsors looking to unseat him in the next election.

Omaya Patrick the Gulu main market vendors association chairperson speaking on the false accusation labelled against him.
Omayo Patrick the chairperson Gulu main market vendors association addressing to the market vendors on Monday 27 April 2026.

Peter Banya, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Gulu City East Division, confirmed that the authorities are aware of the simmering unrest. He noted that a mediation meeting is being organized to restore order and address the vendors’ grievances.

Banya Peter the deputy RCC laroo pece city division addressing the market vendors on proposed mediation underway.
Peter Banya the deputy RCC for Pece- Laroo city division addressing the Gulu main market vendors on Monday 27 April 2026.

As the standoff continues, the vendors remain firm in their demands: immediate financial accountability, a full audit of market funds, and the facilitation of credible, transparent elections to restore faith in the market’s leadership.