Ex-Tororo MP Sanjay Tanna Bows Out, Endorses Son to Succeed Him

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 0844 EAT on Thursday 27 November 2025

Former Tororo Municipality MP Sanjay Tanna has announced his retirement from elective politics and called on residents to support his son, Shyam Tanna, in the 2026 general elections.

Sanjay, a Ugandan of Asian descent born on April 27, 1973, served two consecutive terms from 2006 to 2016 on the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket and is a prominent entrepreneur in Eastern Uganda.

He made the announcement on Tuesday at Lions Children’s Park in Tororo Town during the launch of Shyam’s campaign. Shyam is seeking the Tororo Municipality parliamentary seat as an independent candidate.

The former legislator said he was stepping aside because he has “grown old” and believes it is time to “leave opportunities for youths to lead.” Sanjay previously withdrew from the NRM Central Executive Committee primaries and backed the incumbent area MP, Apollo Yeri Ofwono, in the 2021 elections.

He now wants his son, Shyam, to use his manifesto to deliver on development programmes he was unable to complete during his time in office. Sanjay also praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM government for maintaining “good security that has enabled peace in the country.”

Shyam said his priorities include lobbying for youth employment, pushing for improved health services, and strengthening the education system. He also condemned the defacing of his campaign posters and banners, alleging that supporters of his rivals were responsible.

The NRM party flagbearer for Tororo Municipality mayor, Benard Ochieng, has stressed the need for a legislator who can work closely with local leaders to drive development, The Observer reports.

Ochieng pointed to major local challenges, including non-functional street lights, poor road networks, and inadequate health services, saying these issues require an MP capable of strong and effective lobbying.