Kampala, Uganda: Fresh controversy has emerged within the ruling NRM party as reports indicate that Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the party’s Electoral Commission, is allegedly resorting to identity politics to influence the outcome of the Youth League elections in favour of his son, Tanga Collins.
According to highly classified information obtained by this publication, Dr. Tanga who was barred by the NRM tribunal from directly participating in the Youth League polls is said to be leveraging his nationwide network of district registrars to tilt the contest.
Sources allege that registrars, particularly those outside western Uganda, have been quietly advancing a narrative that electing a candidate from western Uganda would “tribalize” the Central Executive Committee (CEC).
Critics argue that such a strategy undermines one of the NRM’s core principles of unity and cohesion across all regions. “This is a dangerous ploy that risks dividing the party along tribal lines. The NRM has always stood for inclusivity,” remarked a youth delegate from eastern Uganda who asked not to be named.
Party insiders say Dr. Odoi’s manoeuvres are being interpreted as a desperate bid to retain influence at the party’s highest levels through his son, despite mounting calls for his resignation over what many see as mismanagement of internal electoral processes.
“Tanga knows his grip on the NRM is slipping, and the Youth League elections are his last card. By pushing Collins into CEC, he hopes to maintain leverage in decision-making,” another source close to the Youth League leadership told DailyExpress.
The allegations add to the growing scrutiny of NRM’s internal democracy, with observers warning that persistent disputes risk eroding confidence among the party’s rank-and-file youth members.
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