The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong Awany, has directed the party Chairperson for Kabale District, Hon. David Bahati, to immediately step aside from his role after choosing to contest as an Independent candidate in the forthcoming elections.
In a letter dated 30th October 2025 and addressed to Hon. Bahati, the Ndorwa West Member of Parliament and NRM Chairperson for Kabale District, Todwong referenced an earlier communication issued on 22nd October 2025 to all NRM leaders and members regarding the use of party symbols and the conduct of party leaders who opt to run as Independents against official NRM flag bearers.
In that earlier directive, the Secretary General instructed that “all individuals holding leadership positions within NRM structures who chose to contest as Independent candidates against the official NRM flag bearers at any level” must immediately step aside from all roles and responsibilities associated with their party offices.
The guidance further stated that the next person in the hierarchy would assume those responsibilities in an acting capacity to ensure continuity and effective mobilisation for NRM flag bearers.
Todwong noted that, despite this directive, his office had continued to receive numerous complaints that Hon. Bahati had refused to vacate the office of NRM Chairperson for Kabale District and was allegedly interrupting and opposing party candidates.
“The purpose of this letter therefore is to advise that you cease, desist and step aside from all roles and responsibilities associated with the office of the NRM Chairperson Kabale District in accordance with the party guidelines and Constitution,” Todwong wrote.
Despite the directive, Minister Bahati has continued to assert control over party structures, particularly in Ndorwa West, and has displayed posters bearing his name alongside President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni as District NRM Chairman at party offices in Kabale town.
The directive is part of the NRM’s wider effort to enforce internal discipline and safeguard the cohesion of the party ahead of the 2026 general elections, particularly by ensuring that party leaders do not undermine official flag bearers while still occupying influential positions within party structures.
