Collins Tanga, son of NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi, has emerged as the new leader of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Youth League following a closely contested internal election.

According to official tallies seen by The Tower Post, Collins secured 1,567 votes, narrowly beating Brenda Kiconco, who garnered 1,355 votes. The results were formally declared late Monday by none other than his father, Dr. Odoi, raising some eyebrows over impartiality in the party’s electoral processes.

Other contenders in the race included Geoffrey Mugisha, Pascal Natamba, and Jacob Eteru, with a total of 2,922 valid votes counted.

Political Rise of the Younger Tanga

Collins Tanga’s victory marks a significant step forward in his political journey within the ruling party’s youth structures. The position of NRM Youth League Chairperson is a strategic role, especially as the party gears up for the 2026 general elections. It serves as a powerful mobilization platform, particularly among first-time voters and grassroots organizers.

While his win affirms his growing influence, the fact that it was declared by his own father has stirred quiet discontent within party circles, with murmurs about perceived conflicts of interest.

Spotlight on Internal Democracy

Dr. Tanga Odoi, who has chaired the NRM Electoral Commission for years, is no stranger to controversy. He has faced internal criticism on several occasions regarding the transparency of party primaries and accusations of favoritism.

The latest election outcome, involving his own son, is likely to reignite debate over NRM’s internal democratic processes, especially as the party navigates succession debates and increasing scrutiny ahead of national polls.

While no official complaints have been lodged as of now, party insiders suggest that the optics of the announcement could impact how the public and party members view the credibility of future internal processes.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With Uganda heading into another critical election cycle, the leadership of the NRM Youth League will be under close watch. The role is expected to shape the party’s youth agenda and influence voter engagement strategies, particularly among Uganda’s growing young population.

Collins Tanga’s next steps as chairperson—and how he navigates the scrutiny around his election—could significantly impact his political standing and the unity within the NRM’s youthful base.