By Henry Okello
TORORO
Tensions flared within the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Tororo County as new leaders were sworn in on 13th, May 2025 including Jane Okurut, the contentious chairperson of the women’s league.
The ceremony took place at the party office and was presided over by Principal Grade One Magistrate Elijah Irundukunda.
However, the event was overshadowed by disputes surrounding Okurut’s appointment, which had previously been rejected by party electoral commission chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi.
Alongside Okurut, the newly sworn-in leaders included Godfrey Othieno as Chairperson, Hon. Frederick Angura as Vice Chairperson, Francis Olwenyi as General Secretary, and Nicholas Owino as Secretary for Finance.
Their swearing-in signifies a significant shift in local party leadership, yet it stands in stark contrast to directives from the party’s central leadership.
Dr. Tanga Odoi had previously instructed the district party registrar, Wilberforce Okware, to declare Annet Nyaketcho, the former MP for Tororo North, as the rightful winner following a petition citing electoral irregularities.
The decision to proceed with Okurut’s swearing-in has raised eyebrows and sparked concerns regarding internal party governance and the adherence to established protocols.
The ceremony also saw delays in the swearing-in of members from the veterans and entrepreneurs leagues due to pending petitions submitted to the party secretariat.
As the dust settles on this controversial event, the NRM in Tororo faces critical questions about leadership legitimacy and the future of its internal electoral processes.
