Eliab Mporera Refutes Minister Bahati’s Rigging Claims After NRM Primaries

Kabale — The Ndorwa West NRM flag bearer, Eliab Mporera, has strongly refuted allegations made by the Minister of State for Trade, David Bahati, who claimed that the NRM primary elections in July were rigged in Mporera’s favor.

Moments after his nomination on Wednesday at the Electoral Commission offices in Makanga, Kabale Municipality, Minister Bahati—who has represented Ndorwa East for 20 years—accused Mporera’s team of election malpractice. He alleged that the team used children to vote and altered Declaration Forms, branding them as “thieves who robbed him of his victory.”

However, the remarks sparked outrage among Mporera’s supporters. In response, Eliab Mporera dismissed the claims as baseless, saying the minister was simply struggling to accept defeat.

“It’s a shame that after serving for 20 years, he cannot accept that I defeated him in broad daylight,” Mporera said. “We have evidence showing that Bahati himself had over ten forged Declaration Forms, especially from Kitumba Subcounty.”

Mporera added that the people of Ndorwa West are yearning for new leadership.

“The minister’s 20 years of service are enough. The people are tired and want a leader who represents their interests. That leader is Eliab Mporera,” he declared.

He emphasized that his team is committed to ensuring a peaceful and fair general election in January.

“No one will be intimidated. The election must be free and fair,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Ayesiga Mukama Apollo, a resident of Ryakarimira Town Council, urged Minister Bahati to give way to the younger generation.

“The minister has served for two decades. He should put aside selfish interests and let young people take charge of the constituency’s development,” he said.

Mporera, a 37-year-old Kampala-based lawyer, was officially nominated on Thursday by Kabale District Returning Officer Aisha Nansubuga at the Electoral Commission offices. He was accompanied by over 1,000 enthusiastic supporters who gathered in Kibuga, Ndorwa East, to celebrate his nomination.

With tensions high and both camps energized, Ndorwa East is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races in the upcoming general election.