The National Resistance Movement (NRM) is facing fresh internal scrutiny after Mr. David Calvin Echodu, a contender for the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) position of Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, formally petitioned the NRM Secretariat over what he describes as “glaring inaccuracies, omissions and irregularities” in the official delegates’ register.
In a petition dated August 14, 2025, and addressed to the Secretary General of the NRM, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, Echodu, through his lawyers M/s Kaganzi & Co. Advocates, outlined a series of anomalies that he said, if left uncorrected, would compromise the credibility of the upcoming CEC elections and the wider democratic processes within the ruling party.
“Our client is in receipt of the delegates’ list which was availed to him by the Party Electoral Commission following the harmonization meeting held on 12th August, 2025, as guided by Dr. Tanga Odoi,” the petition reads in part.
“We wish to formally bring to your attention a number of glaring inconsistencies, omissions, and the inclusion of individuals who do not hold any known positions within the Party structures. These irregularities, if left unaddressed, may raise concerns about the credibility and integrity of the delegates’ register.”
The petition provides specific examples of alleged irregularities across several districts and sub-counties.
In Katine Sub-county (Soroti District), the legitimate Sub-County councilor, Ms. Amau Susan, was reportedly omitted and replaced by Ms. Apako Veronica, whose name does not correspond with any known elected councilor. Similarly, the current District Chairperson, Hon. Edoru Simon Peter, was missing from the list altogether.
In Gweri Sub-County, the duly elected councilor, Mr. Okello Joshua, was allegedly excluded and substituted with an unknown individual, Mr. Okurut Peter.
The petition further claims that Hon. Olebe Stephen, the councilor for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and sitting District Speaker, was left out and replaced by a stranger, Ameu Michael.
The irregularities extend to Dakabela County, where the name of the sitting Member of Parliament, Hon. Cosmas Elotu, was reportedly missing, alongside the omission of Mr. Edopu Peter Edeku, the current NRM flag bearer.
In Tubur Sub-County, the correct sitting councilor, Mr. Owinyi Bob, was allegedly left out and replaced by Mr. Odeke David, who holds no known public or party office.
Other anomalies included the exclusion of Ms. Alum Jane, the legitimate PWDs representative, who was replaced by Ms. Asio Florence, as well as omissions of youth councilors.
The Female Youth Councilor, Ms. Abau Judith, and Male Youth Councilor, Mr. Olugu Michael, were reportedly replaced by strangers named Apio Joan and Ebiru Paul, respectively.
In Katakwi District, the petition alleges that the submitted list included newly elected flag bearers for district council positions instead of the sitting councilors, contrary to the party’s own guidelines issued on August 4, 2025.
Similarly, in Pallisa District, five elected councilors, including Mr. Menkere Yusuf (Oloki Subcounty), Mr. Emuge Moses (Opwateta Subcounty), Ms. Ajilong Grace (District Youth Councilor), Mr. Osako Robert (Obolisowan Subcounty), and Ms. Musyala Janat (Kamuge Town Council), were allegedly missing.
The anomalies were not limited to Teso. In Arua District, the petition points to the omission of two flag bearers, Ms. Lenia Charity Kevin (MP-Vurra) and Mr. Ayikobwa Cosmas (LCV), as well as the exclusion of two councilors: Ms. Wadiko Moreen, the Workers’ female delegate, and Ms. Adiru Molly, a female delegate from Ajia Sub-County.
Echodu’s lawyers have urged the party leadership to take urgent corrective action.
“We respectfully request that a comprehensive audit of the delegates’ register be conducted to ensure that only legitimately elected and recognized Party Delegates are included,” the letter states.
“This will go a long way in upholding the core values of the NRM and safeguarding the integrity of our internal electoral processes.”
The petition also requests that Echodu be provided with a certified copy of the corrected and valid delegates’ list to ensure transparency ahead of the internal elections.
Observers note that the timing of the petition comes at a sensitive moment for the NRM, with several competitive CEC positions, including the Eastern Uganda Vice Chairperson slot, attracting interest from heavyweight politicians.
A credible and dispute-free delegates’ register is therefore critical to ensuring legitimacy of the process.
Echodu’s move underscores ongoing concerns within the ruling party about fairness, transparency, and inclusivity in internal elections.
The CEC, which plays a central role in shaping the party’s direction and policies, relies on the delegates’ conference as its electoral college.
Any credibility issues surrounding the delegates’ list could cast a shadow over the outcomes of the elections.
Political analysts argue that disputes over the register have historically led to internal rifts in the party, with some aggrieved members breaking ranks during general elections.
“The delegates’ list is the heart of the party’s internal democracy. If it is compromised, then the legitimacy of those elected into leadership is also compromised,” said Andrew Otim political commentator in Soroti City.
The petition was widely copied to key figures in the party, underscoring the seriousness with which Echodu views the matter.
Among those copied are the NRM National Chairman, President Yoweri Museveni; the First National Vice Chairperson, Al Hajji Moses Kigongo; the Second National Vice Chairperson, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga; CEC members; the Deputy Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Rose Namayanja; and the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi.
Also copied were the Director of Mobilization and the Director of Finance and Administration at the NRM Secretariat.
It remains to be seen how the NRM Secretariat will respond. Insiders say the leadership is under pressure to reassure candidates and delegates that the process will be credible.
A comprehensive audit, as requested by Echodu, could either validate or disprove the alleged irregularities.
For now, the petition has heightened political intrigue ahead of the NRM CEC elections, with party members and the public alike watching closely how the Secretariat handles the issue.
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