President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has publicly addressed the controversies surrounding the recent National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries, which were marred by allegations of fraud, bribery, and interference with voter registers.
In a statement posted on X, Museveni condemned the “mistake-makers” responsible for these irregularities and clarified why Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, cannot unilaterally correct the disputed election results.
The NRM primaries, held on July 17, 2025, were intended to select flagbearers for the 2026 general elections. However, reports of altering results, bribery, and tampering with voter registers sparked widespread outrage, particularly in districts like Hoima, Luuka, Namutumba, and Isingiro, where results were suspended due to chaos and petitions.
Museveni acknowledged these issues, stating that the actions were not only criminal but also distorted the political and legal integrity of the elections.”The voting was by lining up, during the day, and everybody saw the results. How does anybody change that, other than making oneself a fool?” Museveni wrote, emphasizing the transparency of the open voting process.
He said state agencies, including the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), have already taken action by arresting and charging those responsible for the fraudulent activities.
However, Museveni clarified that correcting the disputed results is beyond Tanga Odoi’s authority.
“Our lawyers have advised that Tanga Odoi cannot be the one who corrects a mistake that he made,” he stated. Instead, the responsibility lies with a lawyers’ committee, referred to as the Tribunal, which will address both the political and legal aspects of the irregularities. This Tribunal will rely on the same evidence and facts used by the ISO and CID to ensure justice is served.
The President reassured those affected by the irregularities that their grievances are being addressed, urging patience as the Tribunal works to rectify the situation.
“Everything will be rectified. It is just the facts and evidence that will conclude the matter,” he concluded. The controversies have raised concerns about the NRM’s internal democratic processes, with critics pointing to incidents like the chaotic rerun of the Women’s League elections in Luuka District, where locals accused Tanga Odoi of bias and manipulating voter registers.
In Rwampara District, aspirants petitioned Museveni directly, alleging Odoi’s interference favored incumbent candidates, further eroding trust in the party’s electoral system.
Despite these challenges, Museveni praised the NRM’s commitment to democratic participation, noting that the primaries involved nearly 3,000 leaders competing for parliamentary and women’s MP slots.
He commended the party’s top leadership for their efforts to maintain transparency and inclusivity, even as they navigate the complexities of such a large-scale electoral process.
As the NRM prepares for the 2026 general elections, the handling of these primaries will likely shape public perception of the party’s cohesion and commitment to fair play.
Political analysts warn that unresolved grievances could undermine the NRM’s grassroots support, particularly in areas where protests have emerged. For now, all eyes are on the Tribunal to deliver justice and restore confidence in the party’s electoral mechanisms.