State minister for trade, industry and cooperatives David Bahati has confirmed he has dropped his intention to run as an independent for Ndorwa West MP in 2026 elections.
Bahati’s decision followed his terrible loss in the recent chaotic NRM party primaries that saw several cabinet ministers and incumbent MPS losing out the party flag to the new comers.
Below is Bahati’s statement in full:
Fellow Citizens of Kigezi, Kabale, Members of the NRM party, People of Ndorwa County West and Uganda at large;
After deep reflection and wide consultations with the President H. E Yoweri Kaguta T. Museveni today at the sidelines of the 27th National Prayer Breakfast, Distinguished party leaders, Constituency supporters and well-wishers, I wish to make the following official statement regarding my political position ahead of the 2026 General Elections;
I dearly thank the people of Ndorwa county West for the overwhelming support you gave me during the July 2025 NRM party primaries. Your trust and confidence in me remain one of my greatest honors. I’m deeply humbled by your steadfast belief in my leadership and service.
I take great pride in the service I have rendered to the people of Uganda, Kigezi, Kabale and Ndorwa West in particular since May 2006. I worked with all dedication, energy and sincerity to improve family livelihoods, Sports and Talents (Bahati cup tournament) and promote development but importantly raise the voice of our people on the floor of Parliament.
I wish to inform the general public that I will NOT OFFER MYSELF AS AN INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE in the forthcoming 2026 General Elections. This decision comes from a deep sense of responsibility to preserve the unity and stability of the National Resistance Movement party (NRM) and to ensure peace and harmony within the district.
I believe that running as an independent move against the spirit of cohesion that our president and party have tirelessly worked to uphold and it’s also against the NRM party constitution (2020 as amended), Article 8(4)e; that bares the District Party Chairperson from standing against or campaigning against official Party flag bearers.
I sincerely appreciate the people of Ndorwa West who have voted for me for close to two decades under the NRM party ticket and therefore I can’t seek their mandate on another ticket other than the NRM.
Although I will not be on the ballot, I remain committed and available to serve for a better, prosperous and united greater Kabale and Kigezi in various capabilities.
To my dear supporters I urge you to remain calm and continue to mobilise for H. E Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni and the NRM party in the 2026 General Elections so that we “Protect the gains”
David K.Bahati
Minister of State Trade, Industry and Co-operatives (Industry)
MP Ndorwa county West
NRM party chairman, Kabale
+256763080189
