Tororo Politicians Accuse NRM's Tanga Odoi of Electoral Interference

In Tororo District, Uganda, several politicians have accused Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairperson of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission, of interfering in local elections. Sarah Achieng Opendi, the current Woman Member of Parliament for Tororo District, alleged that during the recent general elections, Dr. Odoi orchestrated electoral malpractice in favor of her opponent, Akoth Angella, who won by a margin of 35 votes. Opendi claimed that in areas such as Kisoko, Petta, and parts of Nagongera Sub-county, Dr. Odoi led uniformed security personnel to manipulate ballots, resulting in approximately 10,000 additional votes for her opponent.

Dr. Odoi dismissed these allegations, stating there was no evidence to support them and suggested that Opendi should reflect on her performance in office. He remarked that a young candidate, Akoth Angella, defeated Opendi, questioning why he should be blamed for the outcome.

Former West Budama North Member of Parliament, Othieno Okoth, also accused Dr. Odoi of exerting undue influence over political leadership in his constituency. Okoth, who lost his parliamentary seat by four votes to Maximus Ochai, alleged that Dr. Odoi interfered with the electoral process through intimidation and misuse of security personnel. He claimed that Dr. Odoi moved with soldiers who intimidated and assaulted his supporters, and despite reporting the matter to the police, no action was taken.

In response, Dr. Odoi described himself as a reformer rather than a disruptor, asserting that he is a voter who works to remove ineffective leaders. He emphasized that respect for leadership is central to political survival and attributed his continued influence within the party to mutual respect and longstanding service to the NRM.