Museveni sends Tanga Odoi to oversee Ankole Local Council elections after chaotic MP Primaries

Ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairman President Yoweri Museveni has appointed a team that will oversee local council elections, with party Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr Fred Tanga Odoi being sent to Ankole.

In the recently concluded parliamentary primaries, Ankole’s districts of Ntungamo, Sheema and Bushenyi were categorised as hot spots, with pockets of violence reported in some.

In Ntungamo, Rushenyi County MP Mwesigwa Rukutana reportedly shot at supporters of his rival Naomi Kabasharira.

Violence was also reported in Namutumba District where Bukono County MP and junior lands minister Persis Namuganza’s agent was killed.

In Sembabule, Tanga Odoi postponed polling in Mawogola North after clashes between supporters of foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa’s daughter Shartis Musherure and those of President Museveni’s younger brother Godfrey Aine Sodo.

The EC boss also suspended voting in Mawogola West, where there were scuffles between Anifa Bangirana Kawooya’s camp and that of Joseph Kitayimbwa Ssekabitto.

Kawooya sustained injuries from the clashes.

Now, the 23-member team will be working in different parts of the country to ensure a free and fair electoral process as the party picks flag bearers for 2021 local council and mayoral elections.

Party Secretary General Justine Kasule Lumumba, treasurer Rose Namayanja Nsereko, John Arimpa Kigyagi and Charles Engwau Egou will be in charge of central region.

Other appointed team members are Dr Fred Tanga Odoi (Ankole region), Mike Ssebalu and Jane Babiiha Alisemera (Kampala and Wakiso), Mathias Kasamba (Greater Masaka), Anthony Iga (Greater Mubende and Mpigi) and Juliet Kabonesa (Mukono).

Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora affairs Hajji Abbey Walusimbi will oversee greater Luweero region, deputy government spokesperson Col Shaban Bantariza will be in Busoga, Emmanuel Dombo in Teso region while Richard Todwong will go to Acholi region.

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