Elgon Sub-region Entrepreneurs League delegates have endorsed former Tororo Municipality MP Sanjay Tanna, for the position of Chairperson of the NRM National Entrepreneurs’ League, ahead of the party’s upcoming internal elections.
The endorsement was made during a consultative meeting held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Rosewood Hotel in Mbale City.
The delegates cited Tanna’s track record in business, youth employment, and strong political networks as strategic in revolutionizing Uganda’s business sector being pushed by President Yoweri Museveni.
Presiding over the meeting, Industrial City Division Mayor Masaba Muhamood praised Tanna for empowering young people through job creation, especially in the Eastern region.
“Sanjay Tanna has not only created jobs in this region but also remained accessible to the community. His connections at national and international levels will benefit entrepreneurs across the country,” Mayor Masaba said.
As a symbolic gesture of unity and appreciation, Mayor Masaba presented Mr. Tanna with traditional Bugisu cultural attire, signaling the region’s acceptance of his candidature.
The endorsement is seen as a significant boost for Tanna’s campaign, especially after recent tensions among party delegates.
On June 21, 2025, rival contender Phillip Kakuru, during a meeting with Elgon Zone delegates at El Shalom Hotel, excluded five Mbale City representatives from facilitation, allegedly branding them as “Tanna diehards.”
Kakuru, who is also eyeing the Entrepreneurs’ League top seat, reportedly offered Shs300,000 to most attendees but declined to support those believed to be backing his opponent.
Several delegates at the Mbale meeting expressed dissatisfaction with what they termed as a “divide-and-rule approach,” arguing that the position should rotate to other regions after being predominantly held by leaders from Western Uganda.
“This is the right time for Eastern Uganda to take charge of this docket. We believe Tanna has the experience, network, and commitment to lead this league to greater heights,” a delegate stated.
The NRM National Entrepreneurs’ League plays a crucial role in shaping the party’s economic and business policies and serves as a bridge between the private sector and government initiatives.
The party is expected to announce the schedule for internal elections in the coming weeks.
