The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Disputes Tribunal has annulled the election of Collins Tanga, son of the party’s Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, as head of the NRM Youth League.
In its ruling, the tribunal found that the poll was marred by serious irregularities, including tallying errors and unreliable records, which rendered the process invalid. It concluded that no candidate could be lawfully declared winner under such circumstances.
The tribunal ordered that the only remedy was to hold a fresh election in full compliance with the NRM Constitution, electoral regulations, and polling day guidelines. It further directed that Dr. Odoi should not preside over or take part in the conduct of the new election to avoid conflict of interest. The responsibility will instead fall on the other commissioners, a move intended to restore trust among party members and stakeholders.
The decision, endorsed by tribunal members Diana Kasabiti and Esau Isingoma and chaired by John Musiime, was delivered in Kampala under the seal of the Electoral Disputes Tribunal.
Collins Tanga had earlier been declared winner of the Youth League polls on August 27, after garnering 1,567 votes against Brenda Kiconco’s 1,355. His victory, however, was announced by his father, Dr. Odoi, raising concerns over impartiality in the process.