Former Tororo Municipality MP, Sanjay Tanna, has announced his retirement from elective politics, instead urging residents to support his son, Shyam Tanna, in the forthcoming 2026 general elections.
Sanjay, a Ugandan of Asian origin born on April 27, 1973, served two consecutive terms as the Tororo Municipality MP from 2006 to 2016 on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party ticket.
He is also a prominent entrepreneur in Eastern Uganda. Sanjay made the announcement on Tuesday at the Lions Children’s Park in Tororo town, during the campaign launch for Shyam, who is contesting for the parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.
The former legislator explained his decision by saying he has “grown old,” and it is time to “leave opportunities for youths to lead.” Sanjay previously withdrew from the NRM Central Executive Committee primaries and had supported the incumbent area legislator, Apollo Yeri Ofwono, during the 2021 elections.
He now wants his son, Shyam, to use his new manifesto to fulfil developmental programs that he himself was unable to accomplish during his tenure in Tororo. During the event, Sanjay also commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM government for the “good security that has enabled peace in the country.”
Shyam stated that his key priorities will include lobbying for youth employment, demanding improved health services, and enhancing the education system. Shyam also decried the defacing of his campaign posters and banners, alleging the act was carried out by supporters of his opponents.
The NRM party flag bearer for mayorship in Tororo Municipality, Benard Ochieng, emphasized the need for a legislator who can effectively work with local leaders to drive development.
Ochieng highlighted major local challenges, including non-functional street lights, poor road networks, and inadequate health service delivery, which require an MP capable of effective lobbying.
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