By Kazibwe Jamil
Dr Tanga Odoi’s tenure as Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission has once again come under fire, exposing his core weaknesses as a leader. His distorted view of the job has been that of an autocratic bureaucrat who imposes his will on others, overshadowing the six commissioners and reducing the Commission to a one-man show. The Youth League elections in Kololo stand out as a glaring example.
Despite a clear conflict of interest, his biological son being a candidate, Tanga went ahead and declared him the winner amidst widespread protests from the youth. Common sense dictated he should have recused himself, but arrogance prevailed.
Fortunately, the Party Chairman intervened and directed the Elections Tribunal to handle the matter, and the Tribunal has now delivered a damning verdict.
In nullifying the results, it (The Tribunal) categorically ruled that Tanga must not be involved in any way with the fresh elections for the Youth League Chairperson. This position mirrors President Museveni’s wise counsel that Tanga cannot be part of the solution to a crisis he himself manufactured.
The truth is simple: Tanga is a liability to the party. He has inflicted immeasurable damage on the NRM, and the task of repairing his mess will not be easy. As Rt. Hon. Al-Hajj Moses Kigongo embarks on the urgent mission of fostering cohesion and reconciliation, Tanga should have the humility to pack his bags and return to Kisoko, leaving space for the party to heal.
The Tribunal deserves commendation for undertaking this unenviable task with clarity and firmness. Their ruling has restored a measure of faith in internal processes. For the NRM to thrive, we must continue cleaning house.
The writer is an NRM Cadre
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