The recently concluded NRM Party’s Central Executive Committee elections witnessed unprecedented voter bribery that saw contestants for National Entrepreneurs League chairperson position boycott the exercise.
However, a few days later, a consensus brokered by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa installed Hassan Basajjabalaba as unopposed Chairperson for the league. This was to many political analysts, a missed opportunity to integrate the Indian Community into the Party’s highest decision making body.
Had the NRM Party appreciated the fact that over 60% of Tax revenue collected by URA is generated either from Indians or Entrepreneurs of Indian origin operating businesses in Uganda, Hon. Sanjay Tanna should have been picked as the compromise candidate.
Tanna’s potential elevation would have first addressed the CEC’s regional skew, which heavily favors Western Uganda under Museveni’s long tenure.
As a native of Tororo in the East, Tanna embodies the underrepresented Eastern voice, where economic disparities and political marginalization fuel discontent. His inclusion could have balanced the committee’s composition—currently dominated by figures like Museveni (Western) and Al Hajji Moses Kigongo (Central)—promoting equitable resource allocation and policy-making that resonates across regions.
Equally compelling is Tanna’s role as a bridge for Uganda’s Asian population, a minority group that drives the economy yet remains politically underrepresented. Despite comprising less than 1% of the populace, Asians contribute an estimated 60-65% of tax revenues, powering sectors like manufacturing (over 900 factories), trade, agro-processing, banking, sugar, and real estate.
Ultimately, Tanna’s exclusion perpetuates a CEC that risks alienating key demographics. His inclusion would signal inclusivity, boost economic innovation, and solidify NRM’s base through balanced representation. In a nation where commerce intersects politics, overlooking such a figure undermines sustainable progress.