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Tang Odoi the NRM electoral commission has been told to step aside for youth elections
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Political Desk
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has scheduled its Youth and Entrepreneur League elections for September 18, 2025. The elections will be held at the district level.
In a significant shake-up, long-serving Electoral Commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi has been temporarily dropped from managing the process. The decision was reached during the party's Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting in Kampala on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Collins Tang addressing the media recently
According to a statement by NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong, the elections will now be supervised by Deputy Electoral Commission Chairperson Hon. Jachan Omach together with other commissioners.
"CEC resolved that Hon. Jachan Omach and colleagues should manage both the Youth and Entrepreneur elections to ensure credibility and trust in the process," Todwong said.
The move follows controversy from the previous Youth League election, in which Dr. Odoi's son, Collins Tanga, was declared chairperson. The NRM Election Disputes Tribunal later nullified the election, citing a conflict of interest after Dr. Odoi presided over the process that declared his son winner. The tribunal recommended that he step aside to ensure fairness. Dr. Odoi has since accepted the ruling.
In the contested election, Collins Tanga polled 1,567 votes, narrowly defeating Brenda Kiconco, who garnered 1,355 votes. Kiconco and other candidates challenged the outcome, citing procedural flaws and alleging nepotism.
Ahead of the fresh polls, the voter register will be released to candidates early, while police and other security agencies have been tasked with ensuring a smooth exercise.
The same CEC meeting also established an ad hoc committee to study remuneration for leaders at lower levels and to report back within one month. Chaired by 2nd National Vice Chairperson Anita Among, the committee includes Todwong, Entrepreneurs League Chairperson Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba, Vice Chairperson (Central) Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo, Veterans League Chairperson Lt. (Rtd.) Mushabe Moses, Women’s League Chairperson Kobusingye Adrine, and Deputy Secretary General Rose Namayanja.
Todwong further noted that the CEC had resolved to emphasize socioeconomic transformation as the foundation of unity and patriotism. "Patriotism, not careerism or populism, must define our political practice," the statement read.
The meeting, chaired by NRM National Chairperson President Yoweri Museveni, marked the opening of the party's 5th CEC term, with members pledging to strengthen cohesion and drive transformation.
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