Former Tororo Municipality MP Sanjay Tanna has officially stepped away from active politics and urged voters to rally behind his son in the 2026 general elections.

A well-known entrepreneur in Eastern Uganda, Tanna was born on 27 April 1973 and represented Tororo Municipality for two terms (2006–2016) under the ruling NRM party. The Ugandan politician of Asian descent told residents that age has caught up with him and that it is time for younger leaders to take charge.

Speaking on Tuesday at Lions Children’s Park in Tororo town, during the launch of the campaign for his son Shyam Tanna, who is running as an independent candidate, Tanna explained that stepping aside would give youths space to lead. He noted that Shyam’s manifesto should advance the development projects he had hoped to complete during his own time in office.

Tanna, who earlier withdrew from the NRM CEC primaries, had supported incumbent MP Apollo Yeri Ofwono in the 2021 race. He also praised NRM’s Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for maintaining national security and peace.

According to Benard Ochieng, the NRM mayoral flag bearer for Tororo Municipality, the constituency requires a Member of Parliament who can collaborate effectively with local leadership to spur development. He pointed out persistent challenges such as poor roads, failing street lights, and gaps in health service delivery, stressing the need for an MP who can lobby for solutions.

Shyam Tanna promised to advocate for youth employment, improved health care, and a stronger education sector. He also condemned the vandalism of his campaign posters and banners, alleging that the acts were carried out by “supporters of his opponents.”

The Tororo Municipality MP race has attracted several contenders: Valentine Owor on the NUP ticket, incumbent NRM MP and area party chairperson Apollo Yeri Ofwono, and independents Edward Okware, Patrick Ochom, and Shyam Tanna. The Electoral Commission has set 15th January 2026 as the polling date for both parliamentary and presidential elections.