By Dean Lubowa Saava
A heated dispute has erupted between two high-ranking officials of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, specifically between the party’s Electoral Commission Chairman, Dr. Tanga Odoi, and the party’s Secretary General, Richard Todwong. The contentious issue revolves around the management and allocation of funds intended for the compilation of the party’s register.
Dr. Odoi has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the way the funds were being handled, claiming that Todwong had taken control of the money without his knowledge or consent. Odoi argued that, as the Electoral Commission Chairman, he should have been directly involved in the management of the funds, given his role in overseeing the electoral processes within the party.
On the other hand, Todwong has maintained that he acted within his mandate as Secretary General, responsible for the overall administration and coordination of party activities, including financial management. He insisted that the funds were allocated and utilized transparently, with the necessary approvals obtained from the relevant party authorities.
The disagreement between the two officials has sparked concerns among party members, with some expressing worries that the infighting could undermine the party’s preparations for upcoming elections. The NRM party has been working to revamp its structures and processes, including the compilation of an accurate and reliable party register, which is seen as crucial for the party’s electoral success.
The party’s top leadership, including President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the NRM party chairman, has been called upon to intervene and resolve the dispute. The leadership is expected to address the concerns raised by Dr. Odoi and ensure that the party’s electoral processes are managed in a transparent and accountable manner.
A serious fallout has erupted between the Tanga-led NRM party Electoral Commission and the mainstream Secretariat over party resources. This rift couldn’t have come at a more critical time, as the country’s political temperature continues to rise following Justice Byabakama’s rollout of the 2026 General Elections Roadmap.
At the heart of the dispute is Dr. Tanga Odoi, the Chairman of the NRM Electoral Commission, who has been at odds with the Secretariat, led by Secretary General Richard Todwong. The disagreement centers around the management and allocation of party resources, with Odoi’s commission seeking greater autonomy and control.
This power struggle has significant implications for the NRM party’s preparations for the 2026 General Elections. As the party’s Electoral Commission, Odoi’s team is responsible for organizing and conducting party elections, including the upcoming primaries. However, without access to necessary resources, their ability to effectively carry out these duties may be compromised.
The fallout also raises questions about the party’s internal democracy and governance. As one analyst noted, the NRM party needs to restructure its electoral commission and address internal power struggles to avoid losses in the upcoming elections.
The situation is being closely watched by party members and observers, who are eager to see how the dispute will be resolved. Will the NRM party leadership intervene to address the concerns of the Electoral Commission, or will the rift continue to widen? Only time will tell.
The rift between Tanga Odoi and Richard Todwong is indeed causing concern within the ruling party. As the party’s Electoral Commission Chairman, Tanga Odoi has been instrumental in shaping the party’s electoral strategy, including the digital membership registration process. However, with the 2026 elections looming, Todwong, as the accounting officer, is attempting to assert his authority over party funds.
The tension between the two came to a head today, January 21, 2025, when Tanga Odoi boycotted a scheduled meeting with the Secretariat Top Management committee. The reason? His views on resource allocation weren’t being considered. This power struggle has significant implications for the party’s internal dynamics and preparations for the upcoming elections.
If left unresolved, this financial confusion could lead to serious challenges for the ruling party. The NRM party needs to address these internal conflicts to ensure a united front ahead of the 2026 elections.
This is a developing story, watch the space!
