NUP’s Nampala waves to supporters following her nomination today
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Electoral Commission has officially nominated three candidates to contest in the forthcoming Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, paving the way for a closely watched contest to fill the seat left vacant following the death of former Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli in April 2026.
The nomination exercise, which commenced on June 10, 2026, at the Kalangala District headquarters, marks the beginning of an intense campaign period ahead of the June 24 polling day. The Electoral Commission designated a two-day nomination window to allow aspiring candidates to complete the legal requirements necessary to contest for the parliamentary seat.
Successfully nominated candidates include Irene Nampala of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Idah Nabayiga representing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), and independent candidate Lydia Kizza Nakimera. Their nomination sets the stage for a three-way race that is expected to attract significant political attention in the island district.
The by-election follows the passing of Hellen Nakimuli, whose death created a vacancy in one of the country’s strategically important constituencies. Nakimuli had represented the district in Parliament and was widely known for championing issues affecting island communities.
A vibrant political atmosphere characterized the opening day of nominations, with supporters of various candidates gathering at the district headquarters to demonstrate solidarity with their preferred contenders. Party flags, songs, and chants dominated the venue as candidates arrived to complete the nomination process.
For the opposition National Unity Platform, the nomination of Irene Nampala carries both political and emotional significance. Nampala is the sister of the late Hellen Nakimuli and enters the race with the backing of the country’s leading opposition party. Her candidacy is expected to benefit from both family ties to the former legislator and the growing influence of NUP in several parts of the country.
Speaking after her nomination, Nampala pledged to prioritize accountability, effective representation, and improved service delivery for residents of Kalangala.
“I am ready to offer servant leadership to the people of Kalangala. Our campaign is centred on accountability, better service delivery, and giving the people a stronger voice in Parliament,” she said.
She was accompanied to the nomination venue by senior NUP leaders, including Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, who called on security agencies and the Electoral Commission to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
“We call upon security agencies and the Electoral Commission to ensure a free and fair election. Every candidate should be allowed to campaign peacefully without intimidation or violence,” Rubongoya said.
NRM confident
Meanwhile, the ruling NRM is fielding former Kalangala District Woman MP Idah Nabayiga, who returns to the political arena seeking to reclaim the seat she previously held. Nabayiga arrived at the nomination venue accompanied by the party’s National Mobilisation Secretary, Rose Sseninde, and other senior NRM officials.
Addressing supporters after her nomination, Nabayiga expressed gratitude to both the party leadership and the people of Kalangala for entrusting her with the responsibility of carrying the NRM flag.
“I am grateful to the people of Kalangala and the NRM leadership for their support. I have returned to offer experienced leadership and continue advocating for the development needs of our islands,” she said.
Nabayiga emphasized that her previous parliamentary experience positions her to effectively lobby for improved healthcare, transportation services, education, and other critical infrastructure needed by island communities.
Rose Sseninde expressed confidence that the ruling party would strengthen its support base in Kalangala and secure victory in the by-election.
“The NRM is focused on strengthening its support in the islands. We are confident that with our structures and message, we shall reclaim all these constituencies and continue delivering services to the people,” she said.
The third candidate in the race is independent contender Lydia Kizza Nakimera, who enters the contest as an alternative voice outside the major political parties. Her participation is expected to add another dimension to the campaign as voters assess different approaches to addressing local challenges.
The Electoral Commission has assured candidates and voters of a transparent and credible electoral process. Harriet Kashagire, the commission’s Regional Elections Officer for Central South, urged all stakeholders to maintain peace throughout the campaign period.
“The Electoral Commission is committed to conducting a transparent and credible election. We urge all candidates and their supporters to remain peaceful and comply with the electoral guidelines,” Kashagire said.
The Kalangala Woman MP by-election is expected to draw national attention as both the NRM and NUP seek to strengthen their influence in the island district. With campaigns set to begin in earnest, voters will soon decide who will succeed the late Hellen Nakimuli and represent their interests in Parliament.
As the June 24 polling date approaches, political activity across Kalangala is expected to intensify, with candidates focusing on issues such as transport, healthcare, education, fisheries, and economic opportunities for the district’s island communities.
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