Uganda’s State Minister for Industry, David Bahati has expressed concern over alleged irregularities in the just-concluded NRM primary elections for Ndorwa West Constituency.
Bahati, who lost to Eliab Naturinda, has claimed that the electoral process was marred by anomalies, which are currently under investigation.
He has assured his supporters that he will communicate the next course of action at an appropriate time based on the findings.
‘’It happened yesterday, the victory was on our side and we are grateful to people of Ndorwa West but the process from the information we have now received had irregularities and we are still doing investigations and at an appropriate time we shall be able to inform the people of Ndorwa West and the country on the way forward , the struggle to develop Ndorwa West is ongoing, ‘’ says David Bahati .
Naturinda garnered 25,027 votes, defeating Minister Bahati who polled 23,759 votes .
Results from the elections for NRM parliamentary flag bearers conducted on Thursday continue to be held in a number of constituencies across the country due to disagreement between candidates over alleged violence and malpractice.
Official results from Kabale District NRM Registrar Babra Ainebyona showed Counsel Eliab Naturinda Mporera won with 25,027 votes, or 50.9%, compared to Bahati’s 23,759 votes, or 48.3%. A third candidate, Mwesigwa Edward, received 416 votes, or 0.8%.
“It’s not over until it’s over,” Bahati told journalists yesterday, indicating he is exploring his next steps. He assured supporters their concerns “are being taken seriously” and that his team is “reviewing the entire process and consulting widely on the appropriate course of action.”
Bahati’s complaint stems from results in approximately seven polling stations within Kamuganguzi sub-county, where he was defeated. In those villages, the number of people lining up to vote reportedly surpassed the number of registered voters.
The long-serving legislator urged his supporters to remain calm and united, emphasizing, “Our focus is service, not just positions.”
Bahati, who also chairs the NRM for Kabale District, has been a key figure in the region’s development and politics for two decades.