By Kazibwe Jamil-Political Analyst
After over a decade as Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission, Fredrick Tanga Odoi faces what could be the most critical test of his long tenure. The veteran political operative, who succeeded Rt. Hon. Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, now stands at a crossroads as today’s party primaries unfold under a cloud of controversy and skepticism.
Tanga’s leadership has long been shielded by his assertive personality and close alignment with the top echelons of the party at Plot 10 Kyadondo Road. His commission has enjoyed unprecedented financial and logistical support, far surpassing that of his predecessors. Yet, despite this goodwill and resourcing, Tanga’s tenure has been marked by consistently chaotic and contested internal elections—some of the most acrimonious in the NRM’s history.
For years, Tanga’s abrasive style and bold public posture have deflected calls to scrutinize his core competencies in electoral management. However, a growing consensus within the party now suggests that his approach has outlived its usefulness. Many believe he has become a liability to the ruling party, as flawed primaries increasingly threaten the cohesion and survival of the NRM.
Today’s primaries are being seen not just as a routine electoral exercise, but as a defining moment for both Tanga and the party he serves. The stakes are higher than ever. President Museveni, in a bid to reenergize the party’s grassroots through the Parish Development Model (PDM) tours, has invested heavily in rebuilding public trust. He reportedly provided the commission with everything it needed to ensure a smooth and timely electoral process. Any failure, therefore, will squarely rest on the commission’s shoulders.
Alarming reports, however, suggest that election personnel across the country remain largely untrained, unmotivated, and in some cases, openly partisan—many presiding officers are alleged to be affiliated with specific candidates. The implication is stark: the integrity of the primaries is already in doubt before the first ballot is cast. Tanga’s eleventh-hour efforts to replace or reshuffle district-level teams are seen as cosmetic, given that the epicenter of manipulation is at the village level where Declaration of Results (DR) forms are tampered with en route to tally centers.
This recurring problem, critics argue, is precisely what Tanga has failed to address throughout his tenure. The result has been a ballooning number of disgruntled independents—many of them former NRM stalwarts—who feel cheated by the system.
Concerns also persist over logistical readiness. With over 72,000 villages set to participate, timely delivery and accurate distribution of voting materials remain uncertain. Any significant delay or mix-up could ignite conflict. Compounding these risks is the voter register, arguably the most vital document in any election. Despite President Museveni’s heavy investment to ensure it is properly compiled, its mismanagement could derail the entire process.
This time, there will be no room for excuses. The margin for error is zero.
President Museveni’s increasing popularity, buoyed by his recent countrywide engagements, could be undermined if today’s primaries descend into disarray. A poorly managed exercise would not only undo months of political mobilization but could also deepen the fissures within the NRM, threatening its unity ahead of national elections.
As the sun sets on this decisive day, all eyes will be on Tanga Odoi. The man from Kisoko, Tororo, has long operated with political impunity. But today, his leadership faces its most consequential reckoning.
Whether he cements his legacy or confirms his critics’ worst fears, one thing is certain: the NRM’s future cohesion may depend on the outcome.