By Mike Musisi
Mukono-based Community Based Rehabilitation Alliance (COMBRA) has changed its leadership with replacement of the eight-man leadership committee with new faces.
The old team which was led by former motor rally guru Arthur Blick Sr. was replaced with a new team led by community-based rehabilitation specialist Michael Miiro and it includes among others, former COMBRA Executive Director Barbara Batesaki Sembatya, Kyambogo University lecturer carol Mahoro, head of the Disability Empowerment Centre Uganda Richard Anguyo, and others.
The elections were preceded by a hot debate, with a section of the members suggesting that Blick’s team be left to continue in leadership so as to revamp the alliance which they argued is in bad shape.
Those in this school of thought noted that COMBRA ‘s old glory has of late badly waned, with members losing heart after the death of strong men like former MP Patrick Mwondha.
At one point, it was noted that among the original eight founding members, only Arthur Blick and treasurer Dr. Alice Nganwa are still living.
However, those opposed to this suggested that going against the alliance’s constitution will be looked at as a trend setter to be followed by future leaders who they claimed may tamper with the constitution to fit their personal convenience.
On this issue, outgoing chairman Blick said, “This will be a bad indicator to donors who will further distance themselves from us looking at us as people not willing to leave office.
He suggested that new leaders are elected and advised to always consult the old members, reasoning that after all, they are only getting out of office and not abandoning the alliance.
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