Collins Tanga, an aspirant and son to Dr Tanga Odoi
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Collins Tanga, son of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, has dismissed a tribunal ruling that overturned his recent victory as Chairperson of the NRM Youth League.
The tribunal, set up to handle complaints from the August 2025 youth elections, nullified Tanga’s win on September 8, citing irregularities, conflict of interest, and breach of procedure.
The panel, led by John Musiime alongside members Diana Kasabiti and Esau Isingoma, highlighted several issues that compromised the credibility of the poll. Among their complaints was that some candidates being left off the ballot or withdrawn without their knowledge and that tally sheets containing errors and inconsistencies.
They also said that Dr. Tanga Odoi personally presiding over the election and announcing his son as winner, was iregular, since it created a clear conflict of interest, and that the election being conducted at 4:00 a.m. after several postponements, raised questions about transparency.
They also fronted questions about Tanga’s eligibility, since while NRM allows youth leaders up to 35 years, the National Youth Council Act caps the age at 30. At 31, Tanga fell in a grey area between the two laws.
Tanga had been declared winner with 1,567 votes, defeating his closest challenger, Brenda Kiconco, who garnered 1,355. However, Kiconco and other contestants challenged the results, alleging manipulation and nepotism.
On these grounds, the tribunal canceled the election and directed that a fresh poll be organized. It also barred Dr. Odoi from playing any role in managing the rerun. Collins Tanga rejected the ruling, insisting that he had won fairly.
“My father did not influence my campaign or mobilize support. His role was only to announce the outcome as required,” he said. He has threatened to run to court for redress.
The controversy has sparked debate within the ruling party, with analysts describing the decision as a test of NRM’s ability to uphold internal democracy. By taking action against irregularities, even when powerful figures are involved, the party is seen as trying to rebuild confidence in its electoral structures.
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