Teso, Uganda: The National Resistance Movement presidential campaign in Teso, Bukedi and parts of Northern Uganda is facing mounting internal backlash, with party insiders blaming Tanga Collins, the NRM Youth League National Chairperson, for what they describe as a serious mobilisation setback ahead of the January 15, 2026, elections.
Collins has been accused of distributing Youth League motorcycles—meant to facilitate grassroots mobilisation—to individuals who are not officially recognised NRM mobilisers, a move that has reportedly demoralised committed party youth leaders on the ground.
Sources within the party say the decision has angered several district and sub-county youth heads who feel sidelined and betrayed, arguing that party resources were diverted to personal associates instead of structures mandated to deliver votes.
“The motorcycles were meant to strengthen mobilisation, but instead they have weakened morale among genuine party cadres,” said one senior youth leader in Bukedi, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals.
The alleged misuse of party logistics is now being cited as a contributing factor to NRM’s sluggish campaign momentum in the three regions, traditionally considered politically competitive and sensitive.
Collins, who rose to the Youth League top position following a contentious election, has since come under pressure from party elders and regional mobilisers to realign his leadership with NRM interests rather than personal networks.
The controversy has also reignited broader concerns over accountability and transparency within the NRM Youth League, with critics warning that internal missteps could undermine the party’s wider campaign efforts.
With barely days to the polls, political observers say the NRM’s ability to consolidate youth support and energise its grassroots structures in Teso, Bukedi and Northern Uganda now hangs in the balance unless internal grievances are urgently addressed.
The NRM Youth League boss, Tanga, nor his representatives were available for a comment on the alleged misappropriation of the party’s mobilization assets.
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