The Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA) has acted against its own Herbert Byaruhanga over purported irregularities including financial abuse, forgery, and impersonation.
Serving USAGA’s Vice Secretary, Mr Byaruhanga, a seasoned and controversial tour guide, is accused of mischievously overthrowing the USAGA Board and making decisions that are detrimental to the interests of the association.
In a letter dated December 17, 2024 and addressed to the Minister of Tourism, Wildlife, and Antiquities, Hon Tom Butime, Mr Brian Tuhaise Asaba, USAGA’s General Secretary, decried the irritating acts of the maverick Byaruhanga and advocated for urgent action from the tourism ministry.
“As the General Secretary of the Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA), I am compelled to seek your oversight as the Minister of Tourism, wildlife, and Antiquities in addressing the injustices in conjunction with other smaller supporting entities in addressing the injustices and irregularities perpetrated by Mr. Byaruhanga Herbert, the Vice Secretary of USAGA,” Tuhaise’s letter reads in part.
Seeking oversight in fostering justice, fairness, and inclusivity for USAGA tourist guides, Mr Tuhaise asks for the ministry’s intervention to ensure that justice is served to the tour guides.
Tuhaise further states that Mr Byaruhanga’s actions, including fraudulently calling for an elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 19th, are suspected to be driven by personal interests and may be a cover up to alleged crimes including financial abuse, forgery and impersonation.
“He has deliberately refused to relinquish the responsibility for new office bearers to manage bank accounts and present financial reports to members,” the letter further states.
Byaruhanga’s failure to account for funds that come to the association from development partners for different projects has also baffled members according to the letter that this website has seen.
“Byaruhanga has arrogated himself power to hire and fire both project staff and office staff without involving the USAGA Board,” the letter further reads.
Mr Tuhaise wants the Tourism Minister to prevail and tame Byaruhanga’s unbecoming behavior that, according the letter, is impeding the operation of the tour guides association.
“The AGM is slated for March next year 2025 as agreed in the previous board meeting that was chaired by Johnny Kamugisha (Chairman) in September 2024,” Mr Tuhaise said.
When contacted for a comment about the allegations, Mr Byaruhanga said he was in a meeting and pledged to call back within two hours. However, our effort to get back to him were futile as he couldn’t pick our repeated calls.
