NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong has announced that Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives David Bahati is no longer the party’s Kabale District Chairman, following his decision to contest as an independent in the 2026 general elections.
Speaking during President Museveni’s rally at Kigezi High School Lower Primary playground in Kabale District, Todwong said Bahati effectively “ceased being NRM district chairperson the day he chose to go against the party position,” after defying the NRM primary process and opting to run independently.
“We have Bridget Asinga as our NRM chairperson because Bahati decided to go against the party and contested as an independent,” Todwong said.
Bahati chose to run as an independent for the Ndorwa West Constituency seat after losing the NRM primaries to Eliab Narurinda Mporera, who was officially declared the party’s flag bearer.
According to the NRM Secretariat, any party leader who stands as an independent automatically relinquishes their position within the party structures.
Todwong said the party must uphold discipline and respect for internal democratic procedures, and urged supporters to back all NRM flag bearers in Kabale.
“It’s your duty as voters to support the party flag bearers come 2026 general elections,” he noted.
Bahati’s future within the NRM leadership remains unclear as the party continues to enforce rules against members who reject primary outcomes.