Kampala, Uganda: The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, is facing accusations of deliberately frustrating aspirants seeking to challenge President Yoweri Museveni for the party’s National Chairman and Presidential flagbearer position.
The controversy erupted on Monday, June 30, after one Julius Tumuhimbise, a prominent political figure and outspoken reform advocate, was blocked from picking nomination forms to contest for the top party position.
Speaking to journalists in frustration, Tumuhimbise said he was informed by Dr. Tanga Odoi that the forms were not available, a development he described as a deliberate tactic to protect the incumbent’s grip on power.
He accused the NRM Electoral Commission of orchestrating a “clandestine scheme” to stifle competition and intimidate reform-minded voices within the ruling party.
“It is clear this process is being managed to block credible challengers to President Museveni’s leadership,” Tumuhimbise charged. “If democracy is to mean anything, all aspirants must be given a fair opportunity to stand.”
This setback mirrors an earlier incident in which another contender, Briton Kiwanuka, was also denied access to nomination materials despite formally expressing interest in the race.
Under NRM rules, presidential and National Chairman aspirants are required to collect at least 100 signatures from delegates across the country, in addition to fulfilling other nomination requirements. Tumuhimbise said the Commission’s refusal to issue forms has made it impossible to comply within the designated timeframe.
The standoff comes at a time when pressure is mounting on the NRM to embrace generational change and internal reforms. Political analysts say the party’s handling of the nomination exercise underscores broader fears about entrenched interests clinging to power amid growing public demand for renewal.
When contacted, Dr. Tanga Odoi defended the Commission’s conduct, insisting that procedures are being followed and no aspirant is being unfairly targeted.
However, Tumuhimbise and Kiwanuka have vowed to pursue all available avenues to secure their nominations and challenge what they describe as the “monopoly of leadership” in the party.
As the deadline for nominations draws near, the coming days are expected to test the NRM’s commitment to internal democracy and transparency.
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