By Raymond Eyangu
Vendors operating under the Soroti City Main Market Vendors Association (SOCMMAVA) have called for the establishment of an impartial and non-partisan election committee to oversee the upcoming leadership elections within the association.
The vendors argue that committee members should not be affiliated with any political party, emphasizing that neutrality is essential to fostering development and unity in the market.
This call was made during a meeting convened at the Soroti Market Daycare Hall on Monday, where vendors gathered to discuss preparations for the upcoming elections.
The meeting attracted several stakeholders, including aspiring leaders, current market representatives, and observers from civil society.
Among the key voices during the meeting was Wilfred Onyango, a prominent vendor and aspiring mayoral candidate for Soroti City East under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
While Onyango is a known political figure, he urged for the formation of an independent election committee free from political influence, insisting that the welfare of vendors should transcend political lines.
“Development cannot thrive where there is political division and interference. The market is our source of livelihood, and we must protect it by ensuring leadership that serves all vendors equally, regardless of political affiliation,” Onyango said during his address.
He further cautioned that partisan involvement in market affairs often leads to favoritism, marginalization, and internal conflicts that derail progress.
Onyango emphasized that the focus of SOCMMAVA should remain on economic empowerment, vendor rights, and infrastructural development rather than politics.
The SOCMMAVA elections, which are held every two years, are crucial in determining the leadership structure that governs market operations, resolves disputes among traders, liaises with city authorities, and ensures compliance with hygiene, tax, and licensing regulations.
With the current leadership’s term nearing its end, preparations for a peaceful, credible, and inclusive election process are underway.
However, tensions have begun to rise among some factions of the association amid claims that certain political figures are trying to influence the election process to plant loyalists into strategic positions.
This has created fear among vendors that decisions affecting their businesses might become politicized.
Marriam Aibo, a produce vendor and longtime member of SOCMMAVA, echoed Onyango’s sentiments, stating that the market has in the past suffered due to political interference.
“We need leaders who understand our challenges, not those who serve political interests. Our stalls do not care whether you’re NRM, FDC, or independent, what we need is leadership that brings us water, sanitation, security, and good working conditions,” Aibo said.
She proposed that respected elders, religious leaders, and representatives from neutral civil society organizations be invited to guide and supervise the election process to enhance transparency.
During the meeting, a proposal was tabled to amend some sections of SOCMMAVA’s constitution, including introducing new clauses that disqualify candidates with active political positions or party affiliations from vying for leadership roles within the market association.
This sparked lively debate, with some members supporting the idea, while others warned that it might unfairly exclude individuals with valuable leadership skills who also happen to be politically active.
Denis Aroch, the current secretary of SOCMMAVA, welcomed the debate but called for calm and respect for all views.
“We must be very careful not to turn this into a political witch-hunt. What we need is a fair system that ensures accountability and performance. Whether someone supports a political party or not should matter less than their ability to represent and serve the vendors effectively,” Aroch remarked.
He added that a review committee would be appointed to study the proposed amendments and make recommendations before the next general meeting.
Meanwhile, representatives from Soroti City Council commended the vendors for engaging in peaceful dialogue and encouraged them to uphold unity during the electoral period.
A community development officer from Soroti City, whose name was not captured, reminded the vendors that the city administration has no interest in interfering with the election process but will continue to support initiatives that promote economic growth and good governance.
“We are here to support you, not to influence you. Our goal is to see that the market thrives and becomes a model for other urban centers in Uganda,” she said.
The call for non-partisan leadership comes at a time when market associations across the country are increasingly being drawn into political battles, with rival factions often paralyzing operations.
SOCMMAVA’s effort to insulate its leadership from political entanglements is seen by many as a bold step toward professionalizing vendor associations and enhancing their role in urban development.
As the election date approaches, stakeholders are hopeful that a transparent process will be conducted, one that allows every vendor, regardless of tribe, gender, or political leaning, to participate freely and fairly.
For many vendors in Soroti, the stakes are high.
Their leadership will not only determine how grievances are handled but will also shape the pace and direction of market development for the years ahead.
Whether or not the association succeeds in establishing a truly independent election committee may set a precedent for other markets across the Teso sub-region.
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