By Obed Kankiriho
The State Minister of Trade, Hon. David Bahati, and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Ndorwa West County, Eliab Naturinda Mporera, have clashed over support for party flag bearers in the forthcoming elections.
The confrontation unfolded during the launch of a mobilization drive aimed at promoting efficient and effective service delivery through the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programs. The event, organized by the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), took place at Kabale Municipal Stadium on Friday.
Trouble began when Naturinda accused some NRM leaders of undermining party flag bearers, saying the behavior contradicts the party’s principles of unity and discipline. He advised politicians to accept political transitions gracefully and to prepare for their exit when voted out of office, instead of clinging to power.
Naturinda also challenged Minister Bahati to withdraw from the parliamentary race and rally behind the official NRM flag bearers to foster cohesion within the party. He further claimed credit for lobbying, through his connection with the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for the upcoming Tarehe Sita celebrations to be hosted in the Kigezi region.
However, Minister Bahati, who was the chief guest at the event, dismissed Naturinda’s statements, insisting that holding the NRM flag does not automatically guarantee victory in an election. He told voters in Ndorwa West that they have a right to choose experienced leadership, emphasizing that “leadership is not a matter of trial and error.”
Bahati also denied Naturinda’s claim of lobbying for the Tarehe Sita celebrations, clarifying that the decision was made by Cabinet, where he serves as a minister. He added that the government has already invested over Shs 24 billion in Kabale District through the Parish Development Model.
Earlier in the day, Minister Bahati planted a commemorative tree at the Kabale District Headquarters alongside RDC Maj. Godfrey Katamba.
