The National Resistance Movement (NRM) flagbearer for the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament seat, Idah Nabayiga, has pledged to improve the welfare of residents and ensure the effective implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) if elected in the forthcoming by-election.
As campaigns for the June 24 by-election entered their final days, Nabayiga intensified her mobilisation efforts across the island district, visiting several areas including Kikwayu, Kibaale LC1, Senero, Mugoye, Ddajje, Kaazi Malanga and neighbouring communities to canvass for support.
Addressing residents during her campaign trail, Nabayiga said her priority would be to champion programmes aimed at improving household incomes and livelihoods while ensuring that government interventions reach all eligible beneficiaries across the district.
She specifically highlighted the implementation of the Parish Development Model, expressing concern that some residents working in the oil palm sector under Bidco had not adequately benefited from the poverty alleviation programme.
“When the money is brought, I will ensure that it reaches the people in the Bidco community so that they can also benefit from government programmes meant to improve household incomes,” Nabayiga said.
She noted that her agenda is focused on improving the welfare of the people of Kalangala and addressing the unique challenges faced by island communities.
According to Nabayiga, Kalangala's geographical setting requires leadership that fully understands the district's circumstances and can effectively advocate for its interests.
“We want someone who understands the lake clearly. We do not want anyone to come and disorganise or interfere with our efforts to develop the district,” she said.
Nabayiga identified several sectors requiring urgent attention, including health services, access to clean and safe water, education, road infrastructure, improved ferry services for Kyamuswa and challenges affecting fishing communities.
She pledged to continue lobbying government for additional development programmes and services aimed at improving the livelihoods of residents throughout the district.
Nabayiga also called upon residents to remain united, saying that unity would strengthen Kalangala's voice in demanding services and development opportunities from government.
“I urge you to unite as a community and vote for the NRM because the responsibility is entrusted to you to choose who your representative will be,” she said.
Throughout the campaign period, Nabayiga said she had received overwhelming support from residents and expressed confidence that it would translate into victory on polling day.
She further thanked NRM party structure leaders across Kalangala for their commitment and support despite the limited campaign period and the vast geographical coverage of the island district.
Meanwhile, NRM Vice Chairperson for Party Structures, Ssalongo Alex Mukasa, called upon stakeholders in the oil palm industry, fishing communities and all categories of voters to support Nabayiga. He said her brief stint in Parliament had demonstrated her leadership ability and commitment to addressing the needs of the people.
Nabayiga also appealed to party supporters and well-wishers to attend the NRM's final campaign rally at Kibanga Playground, where President Museveni, who is also the NRM National Chairman, is expected to address residents and rally support for her candidature ahead of the June 24 by-election.
