Some of the aspirants of Kalangala Woman MP seat, Nasiwa Jesica Tusabe (L) and Dr Mary Nakitende
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I At least 13 women have already expressed interest in contesting for the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament seat, setting the stage for what is shaping into one of the most competitive by-elections in recent years in the island district.
The race follows the death of former Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli, who passed away on April 19, 2026, at Alexandra Medical Centre in Kitante, Kampala, shortly after undergoing surgery to treat uterine fibroids. Nakimuli, a member of the National Unity Platform (NUP), had only recently secured re-election during the January 2026 general elections.
Her death created a political vacuum in Kalangala and sparked intense mobilisation among political parties and aspiring candidates seeking to inherit her political base in the Ssese Islands.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has since announced that the by-election will be held on June 24, 2026, with preparations already underway across the district. The EC further disclosed that residents of the Ssese Islands will head to the polls on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
Of the 13 women who have so far shown interest in the race, at least 11 are seeking to contest on the NUP ticket, underlining the party’s determination to retain a seat it won in the last election.
Among the notable aspirants is Irene Nampala, the sister to the late Nakimuli, who has reportedly received endorsement from family members and some supporters of the deceased legislator. Supporters argue that Nampala is best placed to continue the programmes initiated by Nakimuli through the Nakimuli Development Foundation.
Other women who have expressed interest in carrying the NUP flag include Jessica Nasiwa Tusabe, Roy Nakigozi, Mary Goreti Namuddu, Dr Mary Nakitende and Aisha Nantaayi, among several others currently undergoing internal vetting by the party.
The National Unity Platform formally opened the expression of interest process on Monday through a statement signed by the Chairperson of the party’s Election Management Committee, Harriet Chemuntai.
Hon. Nalimuli, the late Kalangala Woman MP
“The Election Management Committee (EMC) of the National Unity Platform (NUP) wishes to call upon party members who are qualified and willing, to express interest in carrying the Party flag for the position of District Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala District,” the statement read.
According to the party, expressions of interest will be received on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 9:00am to 5:00pm at the party headquarters in Makerere-Kavule.
Applicants have been directed to submit written applications accompanied by copies of their party membership cards, National Identification Cards, Curriculum Vitae and certified academic documents.
Political analysts say the unusually high number of women expressing interest reflects both the growing political importance of Kalangala District and the influence Nakimuli built during her short tenure in Parliament.
“Many of the aspirants believe the seat is still winnable for NUP because of the sympathy vote and the strong support Nakimuli enjoyed among island communities,” one analyst noted.
However, despite the crowded field within NUP, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is also preparing for a strong comeback.
The party has already fronted Aidah Nabayiga, its former flag bearer, insisting there will be no fresh party primaries. NRM leaders argue that Nabayiga remains the party’s strongest candidate after narrowly losing the January election by about 300 votes.
The Democratic Party (DP), which previously cooperated with opposition forces in some electoral areas, has indicated that consultations are still ongoing to determine whether it will field a candidate or support NUP once again.
The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has also expressed interest in participating in the race. Party president Patrick Oboi Amuriat recently told journalists that consultations are underway before a final decision is made on the party’s candidate.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has rolled out the roadmap for the by-election under the supervision of chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi.
The process began with stakeholders’ meetings and press briefings on May 8, followed by the update of the National Voters’ Register at parish level from May 11 to May 13.
The display of the voters’ register at polling stations will run from May 20 to May 29, while nomination of candidates is scheduled for June 10 and June 11 at Kalangala District headquarters.
Official campaigns will take place from June 12 to June 22 ahead of polling day on June 24.
Justice Byabakama urged all stakeholders to actively participate in the process and observe the established electoral guidelines to ensure a peaceful and transparent by-election.
Political observers believe the contest could ultimately be decided by factors such as local roots, financial resources and the ability of candidates to maintain a visible presence across the scattered island communities that make up Kalangala District.
About the Author
