Speaking to journalists at the party headquarters in Kampala, Odoi revealed that the NRM electoral tribunal has already received 103 petitions, with more expected in the coming days.
He expressed concern over the growing number of candidates threatening to contest as independents after losing in the primaries.
According to Odoi, such decisions not only violate party guidelines but also erode internal cohesion and expose the individuals to political failure.
"The only legitimate way to resolve disagreements is through formal petitions," Tanga said. "We shall not tolerate violence, illegal demonstrations, or indiscipline within the party."
He further condemned ministers who, despite serving in government, have been found demeaning the very administration they represent or encouraging defiance against party structures.
Tanga urged all contestants to allow Thursday’s LC5 elections to proceed without interference, warning that any attempts to disrupt the process will be dealt with firmly.
Among the latest petitioners is State Minister for Works, Musa Ecweru, who has expressed intentions to stand as an independent under an “NRM-leaning” label after losing in the primaries—an approach Tanga dismissed as misguided.
“It’s what we all want. The Vice President received the same favour and contested in 2021 as an independent but NRM-leaning,” Ecweru argued.
“We need to go to the final voter to really confirm if the people don’t like us.”
Other notable petitioners include:
- Francis Okot, Aswa County, Gulu District
- Esther Acom, aspiring Woman MP for Serere District
- Shafic Kabandize, aspiring MP for Makindye East
- Julius Nabimanya, journalist and aspiring MP for Nakaseke North
All have cited irregularities during the NRM primary elections, ranging from alleged vote rigging to procedural inconsistencies.
As tensions simmer, the NRM Electoral Commission maintains that the petition process remains the only credible avenue for dispute resolution—urging members to respect the rule of law and uphold the party’s internal democratic processes.