Three leaders of South Buganda Journalists Association, accused of financial impropriety and theft have been forced to resign.
Isaac Mugera, the Association president, Dick Lukyamuzi Ssenyondo, the General Secretary, and Issa Aliga, the treasurer came into the spotlight for their alleged involvement in corrupt actions.
The accusations against the trio stem from the disappearance of three computers, a video camera, three voice recorders, and a fax machine which were donated to the South Buganda Journalists' Association in 2007 by Panos Eastern Africa.
The trio is also accused of failling to account for five million shillings donated by Panos to pay for office space in Masaka for two years.
The special probe committee instituted by the South Buganda journalists' disciplinary committee found out the three officials were liable for the missing property.
Issa Aliga, the association treasurer who was also the custodian of the missing property told a crisis meeting today that he is no longer working as the association treasurer. Aliga says he resigned his post and has nothing to do with it. He did not explain further why he resigned.
Pascal Mweruka, the Association disciplinary committee chairperson, says both Isaac Mugera and Dick Lukyamuzi, the secretary general have also stepped down.
Mweruka, who is also the Programs Manager of Masaka based Radio Buddu, explains that they have given the accused leaders up to three weeks to return all the missing property, before fresh election are organized next month.
// Cue in: "They agreed to resign...."
Cue out: "....association in total mess."//
Both Isaac Mugera and Dick Lukyamuzi did not show up for the general meeting. But Isaac Mugera says he is in possession of a laptop computer which was donated to the association by the association of US Black Mayors.
Mugera, who also the Kalangala district information officer, explains that he is going to return the laptop any time. He also confirms his resignation.
Robert Tumwesigye, a member of South Buganda Journalists association says he is ready to stand for any position of leadership in the association. Tumwesigye, a freelance journalist is blaming the association mess on the outgoing leaders who have clung to power for more than three years.
Twesigye has asked Margret Kayondo, the new association electoral commission to speed up electoral process for new leaders.
// Cue in: "It is very unfortunate....."
Cue out: "....on a new chapter."//
