Minister Mutuuzo explains delayed election of Musicians Association president

"Let's finish planning properly because we didn't have money to transport people from across the country to come and participate in the voting. We don't want only people in Kampala to participate. There are many performers across the country," Minister Mutuuzo told journalists on Tuesday after speaking at the launch of the Miss Curvy Africa contest at Mosa Courts in Kampala.

"We are now registering everyone, including upcoming ones so that they can participate in that democracy... We need to create a platform that facilitates balanced participation, so calm down we will tell you when the campaigns will be held,... and they will be transparent."

Cindy Sanyu presidential candidate UMA Pulse

The government twice canceled the elections of UMA leadership after some participants cited election malpractice. The election's main contention has been between Cindy Sanyu and King Saha who are vying for the presidency.

Cindy, citing Section 3 under Article (IV) of UMA, which gives the reigning president the power to appoint all committees of the association, recently unveiled an eight-member interim executive committee, raising suspicion in King Saha's camp.

Saha has refused to acknowledge Cindy, who has accused him of trying to split the association – as the president of UMA. Saha calls himself president, too, though he has said he doesn't want to protest the current leadership until the government decides.

King Saha Pulse

The committee members that Cindy appointed are Hanson Baliruno, the vice president; Allan Tonik, youth representative; Ronald Mayinja, band representative; Lord Bitemu, chief whip; Grace Nabwami, woman representative; Adrian Magala, PWD representative; DJ Kikofira, Kandongokamu representative; and Denis Lanek, religious representative.