Kabale, Uganda — In a dramatic twist to the ruling National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) internal politics, State Minister for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, David Bahati, has been removed from his position as NRM Chairperson for Kabale District after defying the party’s directive by choosing to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Bahati, who has represented Ndorwa West County in Parliament since 2006, lost the recent NRM primaries to Counsel Eliab Naturinda, a young lawyer who is said to have enjoyed overwhelming grassroots support and the backing of key NRM mobilizers in Kabale District. Despite the defeat, Bahati proceeded to seek nomination as an independent candidate, a move that was seen as open rebellion against the party’s position on cohesion and discipline.
The NRM Administrative Secretary for Kabale District, Amos Rwansheija, confirmed Bahati’s dismissal on Wednesday, revealing that his deputy, Bridget Asinga, has been elevated to full chairperson of the district NRM structure. Rwansheija noted that the decision followed a directive from the party’s secretariat aimed at enforcing discipline among members who disregard party decisions after losing primaries.
“As per the guidance from the NRM Secretariat, any member who chooses to stand as an independent after losing in the primaries automatically ceases to hold any party office. Hon. Bahati has been replaced by his deputy to ensure continuity in party leadership,” Rwansheija stated.
The development marks a significant setback for Bahati, a long-serving and influential figure in the NRM who has previously served as Minister of State for Finance (Planning) and is remembered for spearheading several government initiatives, including youth empowerment programs and financial inclusion drives.
Political observers in Kabale say Bahati’s removal underscores the NRM’s renewed effort to tighten internal discipline and prevent the growing wave of “NRM-leaning independents” who often undermine official flag bearers in the general elections.
However, sources close to Bahati indicate that he remains resolute about continuing his bid for Ndorwa West, arguing that his decision is based on the will of the people rather than party politics. “The people of Ndorwa West know my record and have asked me to continue serving them,” he reportedly told supporters during a recent rally.
The NRM Secretariat has in recent months intensified enforcement of party rules ahead of the 2026 general elections, warning that members who go independent after losing primaries would be treated as outsiders to the party.
Bahati’s political future now hangs in the balance as he navigates the uncertainty of running without the NRM’s powerful machinery — a rare test for a politician who has long been seen as one of President Yoweri Museveni’s loyal lieutenants in the Kigezi sub-region.
