Uganda is better off now than it has ever been, says Tanga Odoi

The Chairperson of the NRM Electoral Commission, Dr.Tanga Odoi has said Uganda is currently in its strongest position historically, citing political stability, expanded democratic processes, and socio-economic progress under the National Resistance Movement .

Speaking to NRM Members of Parliament and NRM-leaning independents during the party retreat in Kyankwanzi, Odoi described 1986—the year the NRM took power—as a defining moment that marked the country’s “rebirth” through what he termed a fundamental transformation.

He argued that Uganda’s early post-independence challenges were not due to a lack of capable leadership but rather a failure to prioritise national unity.

“The problem of Uganda at 1962 independence was not young leaders,” he said, noting that figures such as Apollo Milton Obote, Edward Mutesa II and Grace Ibingira were relatively young at the time.

“Youth is a biological concept, not an ideological or political concept,” Odoi said, adding that “at independence Uganda had everything—good young leaders, good climate, the Pearl of Africa—but the leaders didn’t grasp what the country needed most.”

He argued that early leaders “ended up in division by bringing identity at the expense of unity,” stressing that “leadership is not about your age but ideological orientation and how you work for your people.”

Odoi described the period between 1962 and 1964 as Uganda’s peak, noting that it was the only time of progress in Uganda where the country was above Kenya and Tanzania in socio-economic development.

However, he said this progress was derailed by instability, including the 1964 army mutiny.

He characterised the 1971–1980 period as “Uganda’s lost decade,” adding that “everything almost came upside down.”

According to Dr.Tanga Odoi, hardships made Ugandans strong and led citizens to start questioning authority in government.

“At that time, bullets became more important than ballots,” he said, noting that violence dominated politics.

Contrasting that era with the present, Odoi said Uganda now experiences regular electoral transitions.

“We have been having transition through the ballot. Our Parliament has never remained static.”

He acknowledged shortcomings but defended the current system:

“Do we now have elections? Yes. Is it symptomatic of democracy? Yes.”

He also cautioned leaders against dwelling on past grievances, saying, “Don’t live in a time of lamentations—move forward.”

On the disputed 1980 elections, Odoi said “it was one of egos,” adding that it lacked constitutional order because “everyone at the top level became the electoral commission.”

He urged leaders to stay connected to voters, warning that “every leader must go back to the population that voted you rather than sitting in committees and eating chapatis.”

Odoi also pointed to what he described as increasing inclusiveness within the NRM, citing its diverse leadership.

“We are now at a stage where we feel we are part and parcel of the country, and it is because of merit .Someone—even an Indian—can go to Tororo and be voted. Right now, Right now,Tanga Odoi is the chairman of NRM EC, Todwong from Northern Uganda is the NRM Secretary General, Nekesa from Busia is in charge of party funds and Namayanja from Buganda is the deputy Secretary General.”

He said Uganda has transitioned from instability to regional relevance.

“When Uganda had chaos, it was a problem to Kenya, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania, but when it is stable, it becomes a darling to all. Uganda is now a place of hope for people running away from problems to come to the beacon of peace.”

Odoi further credited the NRM for promoting unity, saying “the NRM has never taken revenge as a policy,” but instead “integrates even those who oppose it into government.”

Highlighting development gains, Odoi cited improvements in security and welfare.

“There are no roadblocks as it was before. There are lower death rates than our peers and Uganda has undergone socio-economic transformation.”

While acknowledging that interpretations may differ, Odoi maintained that change is undeniable.

“The trajectory of Uganda’s history supports the fact that there is change. It is up to you to judge how fundamental it is—but the change is there.”

President Museveni is set to give a keynote address to the MPs later as he officially opens the retreat.