Hon. David Bahati Declines to Run as Independent, Pledges Continued Support for NRM Unity
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, Hon. Bahati expressed profound gratitude to the people of Ndorwa County West, Kabale District, and the wider Kigezi sub-region for their unwavering support throughout his political journey, which began in 2006.
The Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry), Hon. David K. Bahati, has officially announced that he will not contest as an independent candidate in the forthcoming 2026 General Elections, reaffirming his commitment to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its values of unity, discipline, and loyalty.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, Hon. Bahati expressed profound gratitude to the people of Ndorwa County West, Kabale District, and the wider Kigezi sub-region for their unwavering support throughout his political journey, which began in 2006. He noted that his decision followed deep reflection and wide consultations, including a discussion with President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni on the sidelines of the 27th National Prayer Breakfast in Kampala.
“I wish to inform the general public that I will not offer myself as an independent candidate in the forthcoming 2026 General Elections,” Bahati stated. “This decision comes from a deep sense of responsibility to preserve the unity and stability of the NRM party and to ensure peace and harmony within the district.”
The veteran legislator, who has represented Ndorwa County West for nearly two decades, acknowledged the overwhelming support he received during the July 2025 NRM party primaries, saying it was one of his greatest honors. He, however, emphasized that standing as an independent would contravene the NRM party constitution (2020 as amended), specifically Article 8(4)e, which prohibits party chairpersons from contesting or campaigning against official party flag bearers.
Bahati highlighted that his loyalty to the NRM remains unshaken despite the outcome of the primaries.
“I sincerely appreciate the people of Ndorwa West who have voted for me for close to two decades under the NRM ticket. Therefore, I cannot seek their mandate on another ticket other than the NRM,” he affirmed.
Reflecting on his years of service, Bahati underscored his efforts in championing development initiatives in Kabale and Kigezi, uplifting household incomes, and promoting youth empowerment through sports and talent development — notably through the Bahati Cup Tournament.
While announcing his withdrawal from the 2026 race, Bahati assured his constituents and supporters that he remains available to serve the country and his region in other capacities.
“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,” he said.
The minister called on his supporters to remain calm, united, and focused on mobilizing for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM party ahead of the 2026 elections under the rallying call to “Protect the Gains.”
Bahati’s decision has been widely interpreted as a show of maturity, loyalty, and respect for party cohesion — a message that resonates strongly with the NRM leadership’s ongoing efforts to minimize internal divisions following the recently concluded primaries.
As one of the long-serving MPs and a senior NRM mobilizer in the Kigezi region, Bahati’s statement is expected to reinforce unity among party members and bolster the NRM’s organizational strength in Kabale District ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
Background:
Hon. David Bahati has been the Member of Parliament for Ndorwa County West since 2006. Over the years, he has served in various government roles, including Minister of State for Finance (Planning) and currently as Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry). He is also the NRM Party Chairman for Kabale District and a respected advocate for disciplined leadership within the party.
