A 37-year-old entrepreneur from Kampala upset a veteran politician in Uganda's ruling party contest for parliament. Eliab Naturinda Mporera secured a victory against David Bahati, the current Trade Minister, during the National Resistance Movement primaries for the Ndorwa West constituency. The businessman operates legal and immigration consulting firms while managing agricultural and property ventures. Mporera previously worked as an aide to the late General Aronda Nyakairima, when he served as Minister of Internal Affairs.
Election officials announced results early morning after counting ballots from polling stations across Kabale District. Mporera earned 25,027 votes while Bahati received 23,759, creating a winning margin of 1,268 votes. A third candidate, Edward Mwesigwa, gathered just 416 votes. Barbra Ainebyoona, the district's party elections officer, declared Mporera the winner at 2:50 a.m.
Bahati has represented the constituency since 2006 and previously held planning and trade ministerial roles. The defeat potentially ends his 18-year parliamentary career, though he remains the district party chairman.
Election officials announced results early morning after counting ballots from polling stations across Kabale District. Mporera earned 25,027 votes while Bahati received 23,759, creating a winning margin of 1,268 votes. A third candidate, Edward Mwesigwa, gathered just 416 votes. Barbra Ainebyoona, the district's party elections officer, declared Mporera the winner at 2:50 a.m.
Bahati has represented the constituency since 2006 and previously held planning and trade ministerial roles. The defeat potentially ends his 18-year parliamentary career, though he remains the district party chairman.
