EASTERN PROVINCE

NYAGARE — Motorcyclists in Nyagatare want their president Emmanuel Muhigi sacked for alleged corruption and autocracy.

At a general meeting that brought together all members of Asetamonya—the umbrella group of motorcyclists in Nyagatare—members speaking with bitterness asked the district head of cooperatives Bonny Ruterana to intervene.

One member only identified as Gatare emphatically stood up and openly accused Muhigi of selling jackets donated by CNLS to members yet they were meant to be free. He reportedly got Frw3,500 from each of the members but no accountability for the money has ever been given.

They also accuse Muhigi of charging members Frw7,000 for painting all motorcycles late last year; without the approval of the general assembly. Members alleage that he awarded the tender of painting to accompany where he has shares.

Gatare said: "Mr. president we appreciate whatever you have been doing for the cooperative but remember we complained that Frw7,000 was much for us during the zone cooperative meeting. Remember the meeting ended without a clear resolution on the matter but we wonder how you resolved to proceed with the decision and the following day gave us the deadline for paying the money.

"We have no freedom of expression in Asetamonya because when you try to speak, the following day you’re suspended from operating for a couple of days or weeks. The district should help us end this autocracy before the situation goes out of hand," another member speaking in a harsh tone said.

The meeting held at the youth center on Sunday was meant to address their internal squabbles after some motorcyclists reportedly complained over Radio Rwanda about their leader.

However, Muhigi refuted the claims as baseless.

"Whatever allegations they made against me are baseless bent on here say without facts. They are inspired by intrigue but after giving detailed explanations all of them were convinced that I’m neither corrupt nor autocratic," Muhigi told The New Times after the meeting.

Some sources say Gatare, the strong critic of their leader holds a personal vendetta with Muhigi, the opportunity his critics seized to use him against their leader.

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