The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Disputes Tribunal has nullified the declaration of Collins Tanga as Chairperson of the NRM Youth League, citing irregularities and non-compliance with electoral regulations.
In its ruling, the Tribunal found that the tallying process was tainted and the records unreliable, making it impossible to declare any of the petitioners duly elected. As a result, the panel ordered that a fresh election be conducted in strict compliance with the NRM Constitution, Electoral Regulations, and Polling Day Guidelines.
“The declaration of Mr. Collins Tanga as Chairperson, NRM Youth League, is hereby nullified,” the Tribunal stated in its decision signed by panel head John Musiime and members Diana Kasabiti and Esau Isingoma.
The Tribunal further directed that Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, must not preside over or participate in any capacity in the fresh election. Instead, the remaining commissioners will oversee the process to ensure credibility and restore confidence.
“The Electoral Commission, being a collegiate body, is fully able to proceed without him,” the Tribunal emphasized.
The decision marks a significant turn in the NRM Youth League leadership race, setting the stage for a new round of elections to determine its next Chairperson.
This ruling is quite significant for the NRM, especially when it comes to restoring trust in its internal electoral processes. For long, questions have lingered about transparency in party primaries, and the Tribunal’s decision seems like a step toward correcting that perception. By nullifying the results and barring Dr. Tanga Odoi from presiding, the panel is sending a strong message that accountability matters, even within the ruling party’s structures.
It will be interesting to see how the fresh elections unfold, and whether they can genuinely uphold the standards of fairness and credibility that the Tribunal is calling for. If handled well, this could rebuild confidence among young party members who are often disillusioned by irregularities. But if the same issues reappear, then it risks further alienating the very youth who are supposed to carry the movement forward.