By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
National
The choir members have highlighted several discrepancies encountered during the competition, demanding immediate attention from the association. Firstly, it was observed that their choir, along with six others, did not receive the tags promised, raising questions about the organization’s efficiency. Additionally, the meticulously prepared choir profile submitted for inclusion in the souvenir magazine was inexplicably omitted, leaving the members disheartened.
Another grievance brought to light was the lack of recognition for their choir director, Bazilio Arinda, who composed two of their competition songs. Despite his significant artistic contribution, Arinda was overlooked, contrasting with another choir where a composer received due recognition.
One of the most concerning issues mentioned in their petition was a glaring error in the judging process. It was discovered that a mistake in marking the Diction category led to a substantial discrepancy in their final score. Upon recalculation, it was found that their revised score of 248 points exceeded the declared winners’ score of 247 points, causing further doubts about the accuracy of the results.
Emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness, the St Augustine KKCRA Choir expressed their deep commitment to upholding these values. They participated in the competition with genuine dedication, aiming to represent their choir and Kabale Diocese with honor. The petition implicitly calls for a fair and impartial review of the concerns raised, ensuring the rightful recognition of choirs that earned their accolades through their talent and hard work.
The choir members respectfully urged the Choristers Association of Uganda to conduct a comprehensive review and take appropriate measures to rectify any discrepancies in the judging process. Their sincerest hope is that the association will uphold the principles of equity and justice and foster a fair and transparent environment for all participating choirs.
The Choristers Association of Uganda is expected to respond to the petition and address the concerns raised by the St Augustine KKCRA Choir. It remains to be seen how the association will proceed in resolving the issues and restoring confidence in the National Christmas Carol Music Competitions.
