Lira, Uganda – May 11, 2025 – Dr. Tanga Odoi, Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission, has stated that he has not received any official complaints regarding alleged irregularities in the recent NRM village elections in Lira City, specifically those raised by Sarah Awor Angweri.
Speaking to a reporter on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 1:35 PM, Dr. Odoi clarified that no grievances concerning the voters’ register had been submitted to his office.
He urged anyone with complaints, including Awor, to follow the proper procedure by addressing them to the NRM leadership in Lira City, particularly the registrar, rather than through the media.
This statement comes after Sarah Awor Angweri, the Female Workers Representative in Lira City, held a press briefing at Gracious Palace Hotel on Thursday afternoon. Awor alleged irregularities and voter manipulation in the recent NRM village elections, particularly in Kirombe North ‘A’, attributing her loss to suspected voter bribery and manipulation of the voters’ register. She vowed to meet Dr. Odoi personally to explain her grievances in detail, demanding an investigation into the election process and its declaration as null and void.
Awor also called for the exclusion of the Office of the NRM National Chairman and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) from the NRM party primaries nationwide to ensure free and fair elections. Despite her grievances, she commended Dr. Odoi, Richard Todwong, and the NRM secretariat for their conflict resolution efforts, while noting that some grassroots election officials and registrars were biased towards wealthy aspirants.
Awor dismissed claims that her exclusion from local party structures signaled her political downfall, asserting that it was a “planned move” by known individuals. She emphasized that village elections do not determine parliamentary representation and that anyone can contest for elective positions, including the presidency, regardless of local party roles.
She reiterated her commitment to serving the people of Lira City and confirmed her intention to contest for the Lira City Woman MP position in the 2026-2031 elections under the NRM ticket, stating her leadership is driven by service, not financial influence.
Awor alleged that prominent party members were deliberately removed from the Lira City NRM register to weaken their influence and called for a competitive and open political environment.
Meanwhile, Minister of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, Hon. Betty Amongi Akena, who will be contesting under the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party ticket, told our reporter for The Ankole Times Northern Bureau that she is prepared to defeat any NRM candidate.
Amongi highlighted her achievements, including the distribution of t-shirts, hand hoes, the construction of a bridge, and the supply of seeds to Lira City farmers.
