Five Candidates Cleared for High-Stakes Kalangala Woman MP By-Election

Five candidates have been cleared to contest the Kalangala District Woman MP by-election, setting up a competitive race among NRM, NUP, and independent candidates ahead of the June 24 poll.

The race to replace the late Hellen Nakimuli has officially taken shape after the Electoral Commission (EC) cleared five candidates to contest in the upcoming Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.

The two-day nomination exercise concluded on Thursday at the district headquarters, setting the stage for what political observers expect to be a closely contested race involving the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the National Unity Platform (NUP), and independent candidates.

According to Harriet Kashagire, the Electoral Commission Returning Officer for Central South, six aspirants picked nomination forms, but only five successfully fulfilled the requirements and returned them.

On the final day of nominations, independent candidates Babirye Sharifa Kaala and Agnes Nasuuna were successfully nominated. They joined Aidah Nabayiga (NRM), Irene Nampala (NUP), and independent candidate Helen Flavia Nagawa, who had been cleared on Wednesday.

The contest has been shaped by internal party dynamics. Kaala, who is widely regarded as NUP-leaning, opted to run as an independent after the party ticket was awarded to Nampala. Similarly, Nagawa, an NRM-leaning candidate, chose to contest independently after losing the party primaries to Nabayiga.

Kaala’s decision could expose her to disciplinary action from NUP, whose constitution provides for the automatic expulsion of members who contest against officially endorsed party candidates.

Speaking shortly after her nomination, Kaala defended her decision, saying consultations with residents convinced her to remain in the race.

“After consulting the people, I realized I am the most suitable candidate and decided to stand as an independent,” she said.

She pledged to focus on revitalizing Kalangala Town Council and promoting tourism in the district.

The candidates have outlined different priorities, with health services, infrastructure, and the fishing sector emerging as key campaign issues.

NRM candidate Aidah Nabayiga pledged to lobby the central government to upgrade Kalangala Health Centre IV into a fully-fledged district hospital.

“Kalangala needs a district hospital so that our people do not continue spending a lot of money seeking treatment on the mainland,” she said.

NUP flag bearer Irene Nampala, who is the sister of the late MP Hellen Nakimuli, promised to continue her sister’s work. Her priorities include implementing fisheries regulations, ensuring a steady supply of medicines in health facilities, and empowering women through organized economic groups.

Independent candidate Helen Flavia Nagawa said she would focus on improving the island’s road network and advocating for marginalized groups.

“I will fight for the boy child who has been left behind as girls continue to receive empowerment opportunities,” Nagawa said. She also pledged to advocate for silverfish (mukene) fishermen affected by strict regulatory restrictions.

With campaigns officially running from June 12 to June 22, political parties have intensified mobilization efforts across the islands ahead of polling day on June 24.

NRM National Mobiliser Rose Mary Sseninde expressed confidence in her party’s chances, citing its strong presence in the district’s leadership structures.

“The President is from NRM, Kalangala has two MPs from NRM, and the district chairperson is also from NRM. We only remain with the Woman MP seat to make it 100 percent NRM leadership. The NRM government works for the people of Kalangala,” Sseninde said.

On the other hand, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya defended the party’s decision to front Nampala, saying it was based on feedback from residents.

“We sent our teams to the ground and the people of Kalangala requested us to front Irene Nampala. Although we have had a short campaign period, we believe our message has already reached the people,” Rubongoya said.

The Kalangala Woman MP seat became vacant following the death of Hellen Nakimuli in April.

As the by-election approaches, the Electoral Commission has warned against electoral violence and urged all stakeholders to maintain peace throughout the process.

Kashagire said the commission had put in place measures to ensure a peaceful election.

“Everybody has been involved to make sure we have a peaceful election. However, some people violate the law and end up clashing with security personnel,” she said, urging candidates and supporters to channel complaints through the proper legal mechanisms.

Rubongoya also called for a peaceful electoral process, expressing hope that the by-election would be free from the violence and intimidation that have characterized some previous by-elections in the country.