NRM chair warns against disrupting mayor, LCV elections

23 July 2025, 6:25 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission has issued a stern warning to individuals intending to disrupt tomorrow’s elections for Mayor and Local Council V (LCV) positions. Speaking to journalists at the party headquarters today, the Chairperson assured party members and the public that he remains firmly in control of the Commission’s work.

He confirmed that all voting materials for tomorrow’s exercise have been prepared and successfully dispatched to the designated polling areas. He also announced that the postponed Kapchorwa parliamentary elections will now take place on 31st July 2025.

President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as NRM party chairman, reaffirmed that the party has mechanisms in place to address complaints arising from the primaries. He revealed that a tribunal, comprising legal experts, would review petitions submitted by aggrieved members.

“You saw my messages about the glorious NRM primaries, which were unfortunately marred by the actions of self-seekers. These included result alterations, bribery, and interference with registers. Such acts were criminal and undermined both politics and the legal framework of elections,” said Museveni.

He noted that security agencies, including the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), have already arrested and charged individuals involved in electoral fraud.

“What remains are the political and legal dimensions. What happens to the flag bearers who were fraudulently declared? Why hasn’t Tanga Odoi corrected and announced the actual results? Remember, the voting was conducted by lining up in broad daylight—everyone saw the outcome. Changing it is simply foolish,” Museveni remarked.

He further stated that the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Dr Tanga Odoi, should not preside over the petitions himself. “Our legal advisors have made it clear that Tanga Odoi cannot rectify a mistake he himself made. That responsibility lies with the lawyers’ committee—the Tribunal—which will handle the political and legal aspects. Their work will be guided by the same facts that informed ISO and CID in arresting and charging the culprits. Therefore, those affected should rest assured that their grievances are being addressed. Everything will be set right. The facts and evidence will determine the outcome,” Museveni explained.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Sendagire, aspiring Lord Mayor and NRM flag bearer, expressed optimism ahead of the polls.

“I want to thank the party’s Electoral Commission, led by Dr Tanga Odoi, for organising these elections. I am confident that the people of Kampala will vote for me. They deserve a leader who can liaise with the President to ensure better service delivery,” Sendagire told journalists.

Other candidates vying for the same position include Mayambala Yosamu and Thadeous Musoke Nagenda, among others.

Dr Tanga Odoi also addressed concerns regarding the recently arrested Electoral Commission officials, stating that they would be released if found innocent.