Kampala, Uganda – National Resistance Movement (NRM) is in the eye of a storm after Collins Tanga, son of NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, fiercely rejected a tribunal ruling that nullified his election as NRM Youth League chairperson.
The tribunal cited gross irregularities and a glaring conflict of interest in the poll where Collins was declared the winner.
However, in a fiery press conference, Collins shot back.
“The ruling was not based on facts. My father did not participate in voting, counting, or tallying. He only declared the results, as is his duty.”
On August 27, 2025, Collins Tanga was declared the winner with 1,567 votes, beating former presidential aide Brenda Kiconco, who polled 1,355 votes. The results were announced by none other than his father, Dr. Odoi, sparking immediate accusations of nepotism and conflict of interest.
On September 8, 2025, NRM Election Disputes Tribunal nullified the results, citing a conflict of interest where Dr. Odoi presided over an election involving his son, unlawful exclusion of candidates like Wilson Otto and Mackline Natukwasa, who were blocked from contesting without explanation, and Kiconco alleged that 400 extra votes mysteriously appeared in Collins’ favor.
On September 9, 2025, in a twist, Dr. Odoi accepted the ruling, saying;
“Elections are an event, but life and relationships are a process. I have no problem with the outcome.”
However, his son wasn’t backing down.
Addressing reporters in Kampala, Collins Tanga framed his victory as legitimate, spiritual, and the result of grassroots mobilization;
“We mobilized 141 districts! We spread the gospel of NRM democracy, patriotism, and pan-Africanism. Ambassador James Kinobe handled the counting, not my father. Dr. Odoi only declared the results. This is not about rigging; it’s about rejecting our victory.”
He dismissed claims of nepotism:
“I didn’t choose to be Tanga Odoi’s son. That is by God’s grace.”
This scandal has exposed deeper fractures in the NRM as petitioners argued Collins, at the age of 31, exceeded the National Youth Council Act’s age limit of 30. The tribunal sided with NRM’s broader definition of youth (18–35), urging the law to be harmonized.
The tribunal has ordered a fresh election under tight scrutiny, while Dr. Odoi is barred from any role in the rerun, the remaining electoral commissioners will oversee the poll, and the rules must strictly follow NRM Constitution and polling guidelines.
Collins has vowed to run again, declaring, “Delays are costly. Let the people decide.”
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