Kampala, Uganda: The NRM Elections Disputes Tribunal has annulled the election of Collins Tanga as Chairperson of the NRM Youth League and ordered a fresh poll, effectively vindicating petitioners, including Brenda Kiconco, whose claims of irregularities have been fully validated.
In a landmark ruling delivered on Monday, September 8, 2025, the Tribunal headed by Mr. John Musiime, consolidated three petitions; from Brenda Kiconco, Wilson Otto, and Mackline Natukwasa, declaring that the Youth League polls held at Kololo Independence Grounds on 26-27 August 2025 were riddled with procedural flaws and conflicts of interest that “fatally compromised the impartiality, credibility and legality of the election.”
Kiconco, the 1st runner-up in the disputed youth polls, had contested Tanga’s victory, claiming she polled 1,355 votes against Tanga’s 1,167, yet got surprised to see “400 votes” from nowhere unlawfully added to her rival’s tally, citing the conflict of interest of the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, who is the 1st respondent’s father.
The Tribunal, in its 16-page ruling, copy of which DailyExpress has seen, acknowledged that while Collins Tanga was technically eligible to vie for the seat under NRM rules, the process itself was tainted by the direct involvement of his father.
“The evidence shows that [Dr. Tanga Odoi] chaired proceedings in this election at Kololo, controlled the microphone and public address system, announced alleged withdrawals… and ultimately read out and declared the results in favour of his son. These are not ceremonial acts; they are the very acts by which an election is presided over… as father of one of the contestants, Dr. Odoi was personally invested in the outcome and could not, in appearance or in fact, exercise the detachment and impartiality required by law,” the ruling unequivocally stated.
Other irregularities, including the unlawful exclusion of candidates and repeated delays in polling, according to the tribunal panel, also had a substantial impact on the outcome: “The evidence shows that polling for this position was pushed back on more than two occasions and only held at night… The conflict of interest compromised impartiality, and the delay affected participation. Taken cumulatively, these irregularities clearly and substantially affected the result.”
While the Tribunal did not declare Kiconco the outright winner, as another of the three options of its ruling, it directed the NRM Electoral Commission to conduct a fresh election in strict compliance with party regulations, without the involvement of Dr. Tanga Odoi this time.
“The declaration of Mr. Collins Tanga as Chairperson, NRM Youth League, is hereby nullified,” reads in part the final verdict of the ruling made public on Monday night. “The NRM Electoral Commission is directed to conduct a fresh election for Chairperson, NRM Youth League, in strict compliance with the NRM Constitution, Election Regulations, and Polling Day Guidelines.”
“Dr. Tanga Odoi shall not preside over or participate in any capacity in the conduct of the fresh election. The other commissioners in the Electoral Commission shall conduct the election of the Youth League Chairperson.”
The long-awaited ruling vindicates DailyExpress’ recent coverage, which highlighted Kiconco’s petition and the concerns over Dr. Tanga Odoi’s involvement. Over the last 10 days, our exclusive reports documented the petitioner’s allegations that the NRM Youth League polls were marred by bias and procedural anomalies, a narrative now validated by the Tribunal.
The fresh election, set to be conducted on a near-future date, is expected to yet again attract significant attention, will be closely monitored by party delegates and stakeholders keen on ensuring transparency and adherence to the NRM Constitution and Election Regulations.
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