As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) prepares for the LC5 primaries slated for July 24 and the highly anticipated 2026 general elections, the dust from last week’s parliamentary primaries is far from settled. Hoima District has emerged as a hotbed of political contention, adding to a growing list of constituencies where irregularities have cast doubt on the credibility of the internal party processes.
Tanga Odoi Overrules Confusion as Hoima Heats Up
In a dramatic twist on the night of July 21, NRM Electoral Commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi officially announced Beatrice Wembabazi as the rightful flag bearer for the Hoima District Woman MP seat. This declaration came after a week of confusion following returning officer Joseph Kutegeka’s contradictory announcements, first declaring Wembabazi the winner, then later switching the result in favor of incumbent Harriet Businge. The flip-flop sparked outrage among Wembabazi’s supporters, who stormed the Resident District Commissioner’s office in protest. The situation escalated when Kutegeka was arrested for confusion, and later confessed to making the second announcement under pressure. Dr. Tanga Odoi’s intervention brought some closure to the chaos, but the damage to trust had already been done.
Violence and Chaos Echo Across the Country
Similar controversies erupted across the country. In Sembabule’s Mawogola West, Brigadier General Rwashande’s win was overshadowed by violence. Multiple agents were reportedly injured, campaign property was destroyed, and candidates claimed the involvement of UPDF soldiers who allegedly disrupted the process and intimidated voters. In Nakaseke North, an incident involving a candidate allegedly pulling a pistol at a polling station caused panic and forced election officials to cancel the polling. Kikuube District also faced a cloud of suspicion, as results were processed at 3 AM and later approved by Dr. Tanga Odoi, despite complaints from rival candidates alleging vote rigging and tally manipulation. In Isingiro, authorities arrested over 90 individuals on suspicion of electoral violence and illegal conduct, one of them allegedly in possession of a grenade at a polling station.
These incidents have raised serious concerns about the NRM’s internal electoral systems. Hoima’s case, with a registrar under arrest, multiple declarations, and a last-minute reversal, highlights the structural vulnerabilities and potential for manipulation. Similar weaknesses were visible elsewhere, where disputes, delays, and outright chaos unfolded unchecked. The electoral body, security officials, and party leaders now face growing pressure to restore order and credibility before the LC5 primaries.
The issues surfacing, ranging from voter bribery and intimidation to late-night tallying and military interference, have eroded confidence in the party’s democratic processes. Stakeholders across the board are calling for independent oversight of future primaries, transparent result verification, and stricter penalties for those involved in electoral malpractice. With the LC5 polls just days away, and the 2026 general elections on the horizon, the NRM stands at a critical crossroads: either enforce accountability and reform from within, or risk a repeat of these electoral disasters on a national scale.
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