The National Resistance Movement (NRM) electoral commission chairperson, Tanga Odoi, has slammed Opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi over his international trips.
Odoi warns that constant globe-trotting could erode the Opposition’s relevance and disconnect it from supporters on the ground.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while on Morning Breeze, saying Kyagulanyi’s strategy of rallying international attention is no substitute for visible leadership at home.
“Globe-trotting will not last long. Even those receiving him abroad will soon get tired,” Odoi said.
“The Leader of Opposition being out of the country makes the Opposition look like a headless chicken.”
Kyagulanyi, who left Uganda after weeks in hiding following the disputed January 2026 presidential election, has framed his absence as a tactical move to increase international pressure on President Museveni’s government.
But Odoi argued that such foreign tours risk leaving the party leaderless and disconnected from supporters at a critical time.
“The Opposition cannot fight its battles from foreign capitals,” Odoi said.
“Leadership must be on the ground, where your people are. Criticising the government from abroad does nothing for your troops or your party.”
He contrasted Kyagulanyi’s approach with that of veteran opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who he said remained disciplined and engaged locally even after electoral losses.
Odoi, however, also cautioned the government against celebrating the Opposition’s apparent weakness.
“It’s not prudent anywhere that the government should be celebrating the downfall of the Opposition. In nurturing democracy, you need Opposition,” he said.
