Africa-Press – Uganda. A political showdown is brewing in Kabale District as former Member of Parliament Andrew Aja Baryayanga takes on State Minister David Bahati for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairmanship.
The race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched intra-party contests in the region, with both men positioning themselves as the district’s foremost NRM figurehead.
Minister Bahati, who represents Ndorwa West and has long enjoyed the confidence of the party’s central leadership, is seeking to cement his dominance in Kabale politics by holding onto the district chairmanship.
Known for his visibility on national platforms and influence within the NRM, Bahati’s leadership has often been framed as a bridge between the party’s top brass and grassroots mobilisation.
But Baryayanga, who previously represented Kabale Municipality in Parliament and has remained an outspoken voice in local affairs, is mounting a serious challenge.
His return to the political ring, after years out of active elective politics, is being interpreted by some as a calculated attempt to reshape Kabale’s political power dynamics from within the ruling party.
The stakes are high. The NRM chairmanship in Kabale is not just a ceremonial title—it holds significant sway in determining the direction of local party structures, the coordination of campaigns, and the nomination dynamics heading into the 2026 general elections.
Whoever wins the seat will likely shape the NRM’s fortunes in the district, and potentially influence candidate selections.
Baryayanga’s supporters argue that Kabale needs fresh internal leadership, accusing the current establishment of sidelining local voices and entrenching a top-down political culture.
Bahati’s backers, meanwhile, tout his experience and access to national resources as a key asset that continues to benefit the district.
As party delegates prepare to cast their votes, political watchers are keeping a close eye on how the campaign unfolds.
Local mobilisation, historic loyalties, and strategic alliances are expected to play critical roles in tipping the balance.
The final outcome, many agree, will be a barometer not just of individual popularity, but of the shifting currents within the NRM itself as it navigates internal competition in the run-up to 2026.
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