A group of National Resistance Movement (NRM) party cadres has petitioned Uganda’s president and national chairman, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, to remove Dr. Tanga Odoi as the ruling party’s Electoral Commission chairperson.
The lead petitioner, Jamil Kazibwe from eastern Uganda, accused Dr. Odoi of incompetence and mismanagement of the party’s electoral activities.
Kazibwe wants national chairman Museveni to intervene and relieve Odoi of his responsibilities as the party prepares for various electoral activities ahead of the 2026 general election.
The petitioners, who addressed the NRM National Chairman and other top leaders, including Secretary General Richard Todwong, accuse Dr. Odoi of failing to effectively steer the party’s electoral processes.
The petitioners cite recent by-election losses as clear evidence of his alleged inability to provide strategic leadership, raising concerns that the party will suffer further setbacks in the upcoming general election.
Kazibwe’s group cites a series of failures under Dr. Odoi’s leadership, claiming that they have eroded confidence in the party’s electoral machinery.
This is not the first time several top NRM cadres have blamed Dr. Tanga Odoi for the party’s recent underperformance, citing a “lack of direction and innovation.”
Many NRM party leaders, including some CEC members, are calling for a forensic audit of all funds released to the NRM’s electoral commission.
Dr. Odoi and his group has been widely accused of mishandling funds released to support campaigns in by-elections in Oyam North, Dokolo, and Kisoro districts, among others. They vehemently refuted this claim, claiming it was spread by the negative group.
“The NRM is losing ground due to disorganized election management. If this is not fixed, we risk major losses in 2026,” a senior party insider revealed.
The petition has fueled growing dissatisfaction among party loyalists, many of whom blame the current Electoral Commission for failing to adapt to changing political challenges, a claim Dr. Odoi has consistently denied.
Odoi is said to have been working without a formal contract, which makes his position precarious. Analysts believe that this administrative oversight will allow the party leadership to act quickly on the petition without facing legal challenges.
“Dr. Odoi is vulnerable now, and the party leadership knows it. With the primaries approaching, they may decide to act quickly to save the party’s image,” a source close to the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) disclosed.
Dr. Odoi met with President Museveni for 40 minutes last Thursday at Mbale State Lodge, accompanied by SG Todwong.
During this meeting, Odoi reportedly briefed the President on the party’s growing tensions and requested additional protection and support from the appointing authority.
However, the timing of the petition has thrown the NRM into disarray as party primaries approach. Internal divisions, if not resolved, could undermine grassroots mobilization and embolden the opposition. Some analysts warn that the crisis highlights the need for broader changes to the party’s electoral processes.
The petition, which is currently being considered by the NRM leadership, puts enormous pressure on President Museveni and the Central Executive Committee to act decisively. How they respond may determine whether the NRM stabilizes or suffers further internal fractures.
However, a senior NRM official who is familiar with the President’s tactics stated that President Museveni is not known to act under pressure.
“President Museveni always surprises critics who believe they are working to improve the system from within by actually doing the contrary. So don’t be surprised if he renews Dr. Tanga Odoi’s contract,” he said.
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