The controversy witnessed in recent NRM party primary elections have continued to see allegations of mismanagement and bias levied against Dr. Tanga Odoi, the chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission.
Minister Namuganza, a candidate in the primaries for Bukono Constituency in Namutumba District has come out to accuse Dr. Odoi of interfering with the electoral process, leading to widespread frustration among party members.
According to Minister Namuganza, the elections in Namutumba district were characterized by violence, vote rigging, and intimidation. She alleges that Dr. Odoi halted the tallying of results and unilaterally declared winners, disregarding the party’s rules and constitution.
“Dr. Tanga Odoi sent a team from the centre to come and declare Naigaga Mariam forcefully when she had failed and they could not do it,” Minister Namuganza said. “He has been making contrary phone calls to different registrars who are doing things whereby they are not serving his interests.”
The minister claims that Dr. Odoi’s actions have led to widespread frustration among party members, with many feeling that the party is no longer fair and transparent.
She has announced her intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming general elections, citing the party’s failure to address the grievances of its members.
“I’m not happy that the President has mentioned some districts in particular, and has not mentioned Namutumba,” Minister Namuganza said. “And yet we got the most injustice done to us, because for us votes were not carried, winners were not declared.”
The controversy surrounding the NRM primaries has raised concerns about the party’s ability to manage its internal elections and the potential impact on the upcoming general elections.
As the party seeks to present a united front, the allegations against Dr. Odoi and the Electoral Commission will need to be addressed to restore the confidence of party members and the electorate.
