Rwampara, Uganda; Tensions are boiling over in Western Uganda’s Rwampara District after over a dozen NRM parliamentary and district local government aspirants signed a strongly worded petition to President Yoweri Museveni, protesting what they term “persistent interference” in the district’s internal party processes, allegedly orchestrated by Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission.
In the jointly signed letter dated July 5, 2025, the aspirants accuse Dr. Odoi of deepening divisions, creating unfairness, and favoring incumbent candidates by blocking joint rallies and denying equal campaign opportunities.
“His actions are emboldening incumbents who have refused to participate in joint rallies, denying voters access to all candidates,” the letter, exclusively seen by DailyExpress reads in part.
The aspirants further question why a missing file from the registrar’s office was cited as a reason to suspend planned rallies, calling the explanation a thin veil to justify “unequal treatment.”
The petition, also copied to multiple top NRM and government offices, paints a grim picture of rising voter frustration, internal betrayal, and fear that the interference may cost the party in the 2026 General Election.
Registrar’s Exit Raises Eyebrows
The latest by Aspirants protest comes days after the Rwampara District Registrar, Richard Asiimwe, resigned abruptly under what sources say was intense pressure from party bosses. Aspirants suspect this was part of a broader plot to suppress their campaigns and sway results in favor of preferred candidates.
One of the flashpoints has been the Woman MP race, where two conflicting results were announced for Molly Asiimwe and Annah Kansiime. Dr. Odoi later dismissed the registrar and declared Molly winner, triggering further outrage.
Pattern of Partisanship?
This is not the first time Dr. Tanga Odoi’s methods have come under fire. His high-handed decisions have previously led to accusations of bias from both aspirants and sitting MPs. Earlier this year, MP Naome Kabasharira called him a “thief” on the floor of Parliament, alleging vote rigging in Ntungamo.
Back in 2020, Rwampara was also a scene of drama when similar contradictory declarations plagued the primaries, and insiders now warn that lessons have gone unlearned.
Aspirants Demand Museveni’s Action
In their appeal, aspirants have urged Museveni to act immediately by:
- Halting Dr. Tanga Odoi’s involvement in Rwampara elections
- Reinstating joint rallies and equal campaign access
- Investigating the resignation of the registrar
- Guaranteeing a level playing field for all candidates
“The interference risks long-term political damage and loss of trust in the party’s leadership at the grassroots,” they caution.
The Bigger Picture
The NRM is currently in the nomination phase for its internal elections ahead of the 2026 national polls. As Museveni prepares to formalize his candidacy for party chairman and presidential flag bearer, unrest like that in Rwampara threatens to dent the party’s image of cohesion and grassroots connection.
Political analysts say the growing protests, now in formal documentation, could catalyze wider calls for reform in the NRM’s internal election mechanisms.
Who Signed the Petition?
Among the signatories are parliamentary and LC5 aspirants from both the East and County Constituencies, including: Kanyesigye Kenneth, Ngabirano Charles, Richard Rurangwa, Hudson Turinayesu, Amanya Anthony, Zabasajja Godson, and Esenanec K. Mwibaze, among others.
The petition concluded with a pledge of loyalty to Museveni’s leadership, but also a firm demand for corrective action to prevent Rwampara’s chaos from spiraling further.
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