BUSHENYI- The impasse at Igara Growers tea Factory between shareholders and board of directors has continued to take shape, the latest is that the authorities in Bushenyi district have directed the board of directors of Igara growers’ tea factory to leave office and pave way for election of a new team before they ask government to take over.
The directive was given on Saturday during a joint meeting between shareholders, board members, local leaders and security at Bushenyi district headquarters.
The meeting chaired by Bushenyi RDC Jolly Tibemanya noted the growing threat to the company remains the board whose term of office has expired but have refused to step down.
Midway during the discussions, the Chief Administrative Officer Bushenyi Elias Byamungu told the meeting to stop beating around the bush and pay attention to the real issue that is breeding the conflict which is leadership.
“We are wasting time going into other discussions, the issue is about the board overstaying in power, which is what is bringing all this confusion. If their term has expired let them let them go,” said Byamungu.
Jaffar Basajabbalaba, the Bushenyi district chairperson told the meeting that the board has to respect the rule of law and the company constitution and vacate office since their term expired.
“We can’t remain in this, the law and the company constitution is clear, why not respect this. We have advised you on what to do, if you don’t we have government, we will petition it to take over you,” Basajabbalaba noted.
The names of four members out of eight are wanted to step down, and these include Eng. Gershom Rwakasanga (Chairman) Edson Musiime Batuma(director) Daniel Nareeba (director) and Eldard Muhangisa( director), they say these are not eligible to stand again since their term of office expired last year.
The RDC also wondered why this group whose term has expired can’t give way for the smooth running of the company.
“We are going to start a new process for getting new directors, we want harmony here if you fail us there is government and we will invite it to reign over you,” said RDC Tibemanya.
But the board chairman Gershom Rwakasanga said he will first consult the majority shareholders who gave him and members mandate to oversee transition of the company to the new adopted constitution.
“The company belongs to shareholders and majority are not in this meeting so am not buying these resolutions until I consult the majority shareholders who gave us mandate to oversee the transition to the new constitution,” said Rwakasanga.
In November last year, the company adopted a new constitution and the board claims they were given the mandate to oversee this transition which some shareholders deny.
This board six-year term expired in July this year.
This drew anger of the conveners of the meeting who said they will have to do what it takes to reign over this board.
“I am the custodian of law in the district I will not allow this confusion threatening the livelihood of hundreds of people to prevail,” warned Byamungu.
The RDC warned the board members not to behave as if there is no government.