Kabale District — Minister of State for Industry and longtime legislator Hon. David Bahati has expressed confidence in retaining his Ndorwa West Parliamentary seat in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Hon. Bahati, who has represented the constituency for nearly two decades, told reporters that he is ready to continue advancing development programs that have transformed Ndorwa West over the years.
“My commitment to serve the people of Ndorwa remains firm. Together, we have achieved tremendous progress, and I am ready to consolidate these gains for even greater development,” Bahati said.
Despite not being declared the NRM flag bearer in the July 17th party primaries—an exercise many described as fraudulent and unfair—Bahati has chosen to contest as an independent candidate with NRM-leaning support.
Sources within the ruling party indicate that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who also serves as NRM National Chairman, recently assured NRM-leaning independents of his blessing to contest—provided no opposition candidate is present in their respective constituencies.
Going by the political landscape in Ndorwa West, no opposition contender has emerged, setting the stage for what many expect to be a contest between two NRM heavyweights.
Locals and political observers, however, predict a landslide victory for Bahati, citing his long-standing record of service delivery. Under his leadership, every sub-county in Ndorwa West now boasts at least a health center and a secondary school, while every parish has a primary school.
Beyond infrastructure, Bahati is also credited with strengthening the NRM’s grassroots presence in Kabale District. As the district NRM chairperson, he has supported party operations, funded mobilization activities, and provided logistics for conferences and outreach programs.
Meanwhile, mobilization for his 2026 bid is already in high gear. The ongoing David Bahati Football Tournament, which has attracted youth across the constituency, is expected to culminate in a grand finale that will double as a major campaign launch event.
With his strong development record, deep party roots, and growing grassroots enthusiasm, analysts say Bahati’s return to Parliament appears not just possible—but almost certain.
