As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ruling party prepares to endorse the new Central Executive Committee (CEC), party’s electoral commission was warned against using derogatory and abuse language during consultation campaigns.
The party’s election chairperson, Tanga Odoi the language used during the campaigns is unacceptable and should stop.
Addressing journalist, the NRM Electoral Commission Chairman Dr. Tanga Odoi, has issued a clear call for discipline and decorum among candidates vying for positions in the party’s CEC, ahead of the upcoming elections scheduled for August 27, 2025.
She noted that the party is to meet with all candidates on in a meeting set for August 12, 2025 at the party EC offices headquarter to engage the candidates on several issues.
He emphasized the importance of unity and respect during the campaign period.
The meeting he said only excludes the party chairperson, and President of Uganda, Gen. Rtd Kaguta Yoweri Museveni Tibuhaburwa who is unposed.
Odoi explained that the meeting aims to provide guidance on the electoral process and to curb the rising tensions marked by the use of abusive language and negative rhetoric among contenders.
“We want to remind our leaders that the level of decorum and integrity expected in this election should be high,” Odoi said, noting that the commission, in collaboration with the party secretariat and Secretary-General, seeks to clarify the rules and procedures ahead of the vote.
The chairman revealed that the elections will take place in Kololo, a change from Namboole National Stadium due to the ongoing African Nations Championships (CHAN).
The meeting will also serve as a platform for candidates to share their input on the electoral arrangements, ensuring transparency and inclusion.
Odoi stressed that the Commission intends to engage these senior party leaders more closely than even members of parliament, to dispel rumors and misunderstandings about the electoral process and the Commission’s role.
Responding to recent accusations and speculation circulating in the media, Dr. Odoi defended the independence and strength of the Electoral Commission.
“This Commission has not suffered any ‘multiple organ failure,’ as some have suggested in jest,” he remarked, referring to a meme circulating on social media.
He reassured the party members that the Commission, composed of seven commissioners, will oversee a fair and transparent election and that no individual, including himself, has the power to manipulate the outcome.
Odoi made it clear that the party chairman does not interfere with the electoral process, underscoring that the Commission operates independently.
“The chairman is a law-abiding citizen who respects the independence of this Commission,” he said.
In a broader reflection on the role of CEC, Odoi highlighted its significance as the party’s policymaking body and the “cream de la cream” of the NRM.
He emphasized that the CEC should be a think tank contributing innovative ideas and financial support to strengthen the party, not a forum for rumor mongering or personal attacks.
The CEC is responsible for ensuring alignment between the party manifesto and government policy, especially given the NRM’s status as the ruling party.
Addressing rumors questioning his impartiality, Dr. Odoi firmly rejected claims that he might have conflicts of interest, including allegations linked to his son’s candidacy.
“There is no law preventing a family member from standing for office, and I will not influence the process in any way,” he affirmed.
Odoi concluded called on all candidates to maintain respectful discourse and to focus on securing voter support through their own merit rather than casting aspersions on the Commission or each other.
He expressed confidence in the Commission’s ability to conduct elections transparently, ensuring that the results reflect the true will of the party members.
