By Aggrey Baba
By keeping Dr. Tanga Odoi as the head of the party’s Electoral Commission, President Yoweri M7 has once again shown his authority in the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
This decision, made by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) during a meeting at State House, Entebbe, has shocked those who wanted him removed.
For months, some party members, including senior officials, have accused Odoi of influencing elections unfairly and weakening democracy in the party. They hoped that the man from Rwakitura would replace him before the party primaries in July ahead of the 2026 elections.
However, the party charman’s decision to retain him has proven otherwise and left his critics disappointed.
The CEC confirmed that while there were some changes in the Electoral Commission, Odoi remained in charge. Former Finance Minister Fred Jachan Omach was appointed vice-chairperson, replacing John Alimpa Kigyaagi, while Jane Babiha Alisemera kept her position as commissioner.
New members Juliana Auma, James Tweheyo, Zaitun Driwaru, and Ambassador James Kinobe were also added to the commission. Despite pressure from some NRM members, the NRM boss made it clear that he still trusts the Tororo man to lead the elections in the party.
His decision seems to be focused on keeping the party stable rather than listening to internal fights, and with elections coming soon, M7 wants a strong and organized party.
By refusing to remove Odoi, he is reminding everyone that in NRM, he is the final decision-maker. Those who wanted Odoi out now have to change their approach and accept the reality that he is still in charge.
The CEC also directed that the party must elect its leaders by the end of April, and the final register of party members will be presented on April 2.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong announced that the party’s membership has now grown to 20.7 million, up from 18.3 million last year. This means more people have joined NRM, and they will be part of the upcoming internal elections.
However, concerns remain about how fair these elections will be, considering past complaints about irregularities in voter registration and manipulation.
The big man’s decision to keep Odoi shows that he values loyalty and results over internal disagreements, and so, whether people agree with it or not, Odoi will continue to lead the party’s elections.
Looking forward, the party must now focus on implementing its roadmap, ensuring that elections are conducted smoothly and that members trust the process. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
