NO ONE DARES TO STOP ME!! Dr. Tanga Accused of Pressuring Registrars to Favor His Son as NRM Youth Polls Move to District Level

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is facing renewed controversy following allegations that Dr. Tanga Odoi, the party’s Electoral Commission chairperson, is interfering in youth league elections to favor his son, Collins Tanga. The claims have unsettled young party members, many of whom say the credibility of the electoral process is under serious threat.

Collins Tanga’s earlier victory as NRM Youth League chairperson was nullified after the party’s Election Disputes Tribunal upheld a petition challenging the outcome. Led by counsel John Musiime, the tribunal ruled that Dr. Tanga’s oversight of an election in which his son was a candidate created a clear conflict of interest. It ordered the annulment of Collins’ win and directed that a fresh election be held.

“The principle of natural justice cannot allow a father to preside over an election where his son is contesting. This was a blatant conflict of interest,” the tribunal wrote in its 17-page decision. It further instructed Dr. Tanga to stay away from the process when new polls are conducted.

Despite that directive, several youth leaders now claim that Dr. Tanga is once again meddling. According to reports, he has allegedly pressured district registrars and NRM chairpersons to mobilize support for Collins. “We know of meetings where he has instructed registrars to influence youth delegates in his son’s favor,” one delegate, who requested anonymity, told reporters.

Ms. Kiconco Brenda, the candidate who successfully challenged Collins’ earlier win, said these reports validate her earlier concerns. “We warned that Dr. Tanga was abusing his position to help his son. The tribunal agreed with us. If he is now intimidating registrars, we urge President Museveni to step in personally,” she said.

In response, some youth leaders have already begun drafting a letter to the President demanding urgent action. “This is about the survival of our internal democracy. If Dr. Tanga continues to misuse his office, young people will lose confidence in the party’s systems,” another delegate cautioned.

With preparations for fresh youth elections underway, all eyes are on the NRM’s top leadership. How the party handles these allegations could determine not only the fairness of the upcoming youth league polls but also the overall trust in its internal democratic structures.