By BM
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party is facing a deepening internal crisis following the abrupt disqualification of Ms. Fiona Nakku from the race for National Female Youth Member of Parliament, a move that has sparked allegations of bias, political sabotage, and conflict of interest within the party’s electoral processes.
On Monday, August 18, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi issued a letter to Nakku, citing her ineligibility due to age.
The disqualification was based on a petition by youth delegate Aaron Amanya, who alleged that Nakku is 31 years old above the 18–30 age cap required for youth MP positions under the National Youth Council Act.
The petition was reportedly supported by a letter from the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA).
However, the decision has triggered a political firestorm. Analysts, party insiders, and youth delegates have questioned the impartiality of Dr. Odoi, pointing to a potential conflict of interest: his son, Tanga Collins, is also a candidate in the same electoral cycle, vying for Chairperson of the National Youth Council.
Both Collins and Nakku hail from Bukedi Sub-region, a politically significant bloc and Nakku’s elimination, critics argue, directly benefits Collins’ ambitions.
“This is a classic conflict of interest,” said a senior NRM youth delegate who spoke on condition of anonymity. “How can the Chairman of the Electoral Commission preside over a decision that directly advantages his own son?”
The controversy has laid bare simmering tensions between key NRM power centers namely Plot 13 Kyadondo Road (the party’s Electoral Commission headquarters) and Plot 10 Kyadondo Road (home to the NRM Secretariat).
Party insiders allege Dr. Odoi’s decision may also be influenced by a long-standing political feud with the NRM Secretariat, where Nakku’s sister, Hon. Barbara Nekesa Oundo, serves as National Treasurer.
Youth Outrage and Threats of Boycott
The fallout from Nakku’s disqualification has galvanized sections of the party’s youth leadership, particularly from the Central Region, who insists the age allegations are politically motivated and untrue.
Masaka City Youth Chairperson Hamuza Katumba Numba led a press conference on August 5 dismissing the claims as “false propaganda.”
“Fiona Nakku was duly nominated and cleared by the NRM Electoral Commission after meeting all legal requirements, including age,” Katumba stated. “Any attempt to disqualify her will be treated as sabotage.”
Other youth leaders have gone further, warning that persistent provocation and manipulation of internal processes may lead to unrest.
Kalangala District NRM Youth Chairperson Muwenda Dan accused detractors of inciting instability and called for immediate intervention by the party leadership.
“We are heading for trouble even bloodshed if things get out of hand,” Muwenda warned.
Accusations of Internal Sabotage
The crisis has escalated as other female youth MP aspirants have now issued a joint declaration threatening to boycott the NRM primaries if Nakku’s case is not addressed transparently.
They accuse the Electoral Commission of tolerating “internal sabotage” and demand the public release of vetting records, including verified ages and the role of party officials allegedly lobbying for certain candidates.
Among the petitioners is Moses Mufakinaye, alias Omujujugu, who maintains that Nakku’s date of birth is 1994, making her 31 a claim he says is corroborated by NIRA documents.
He also alleges that Nakku attempted, unsuccessfully, to have her date of birth changed on her national ID.
Sources within NIRA confirmed that a request to amend Nakku’s birth date was rejected after a review found the original records accurate.
A Fracturing Party Ahead of 2026
Observers warn that the incident may have far-reaching consequences for NRM’s internal cohesion, especially as the party gears up for the 2026 general elections.
The youth wing long considered a mobilizing force for the ruling party is now at the center of an integrity crisis that could alienate young voters and expose deep factional rifts.
Fiona Nakku, who has been actively mobilizing youth through SACCOs and community development initiatives, had recently been endorsed by NRM youth delegates in Lango Sub-region.
Her disqualification, supporters say, undermines not only her candidacy but also the party’s commitment to inclusive youth representation.
Dr. Tanga Odoi was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
