KABALE, Uganda – The State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Hon. David Bahati, has been removed from his position as the NRM Chairperson for Kabale District after defying the party’s directive and opting to run as an independent candidate for the Ndorwa West parliamentary seat.
The decision was announced by the NRM Administrative Secretary for Kabale District, Mr. Amos Rwansheija, who confirmed that Bahati’s deputy, Ms. Bridget Asinga, has been elevated to full chairperson of the district NRM structure.
Mr. Bahati, who has represented Ndorwa West Constituency since 2006, lost to Counsel Eliab Naturinda in the recently concluded NRM party primaries. He polled 23,759 votes, while Mr. Naturinda garnered 25,027 votes. Despite the defeat, Bahati sought nomination as an independent candidate in October, alleging that his victory was stolen during the primaries, which he claimed were marred by irregularities.
Mr. Rwansheija explained that the decision to replace Bahati was in line with party policy regarding members who defy the NRM’s internal electoral outcomes.
“Because Mr. Bahati opted to contest as an independent candidate, I used my administrative powers to assign the party vice chairperson, Ms. Bridget Asinga, to take over the roles and responsibilities to ensure proper service delivery during the ongoing electoral process,” Mr. Rwansheija said.
Ms. Asinga confirmed her appointment and expressed readiness to serve.
“The Kabale District NRM administrative secretary indeed assigned me to take charge of the NRM party office, and I am ready to serve,” she said.
In response, Mr. Bahati welcomed the development, saying it aligned with the NRM Secretary General’s guidance that those running as independents should step aside from party leadership roles.
“Given that I will be busy with campaign activities, it is proper for the vice chairperson to take over the roles and responsibilities to ensure the smooth running of party affairs,” Bahati said.
Despite his fallout with the party leadership, Bahati remains active in government and continues to promote NRM programs. While presiding over a district mobilisation event at Kabale Stadium on Thursday “organized by the Resident District Commissioner, Maj. Godfrey Katamba” he praised President Museveni for championing wealth creation initiatives.
“Do not allow yourselves to be diverted by opposition politicians during this campaign period. Let’s work as a team to ensure President Museveni secures over 80 percent support in next year’s general elections, in appreciation of his visionary leadership,” Bahati told the gathering.
Sources in Kabale have indicated that Bahati’s independent candidacy has caused divisions within local NRM ranks. A section of Christians in the Kabale Anglican Diocese have reportedly expressed opposition to him, accusing the minister of siding with one faction in the ongoing succession dispute involving Bishop Gad Akanjuna and his rivals.
As campaigns intensify in Ndorwa West, political observers say the contest between Bahati and Naturinda will be one of the most closely watched races in Kabale District.
