NANSANA — Nansana Municipality Member of Parliament Bulasio Zambaali Mukasa has expressed confidence that the National Unity Platform (NUP) will secure a comfortable victory in the ongoing Kalangala District Woman MP by-election.
Speaking on Sanyuka Television on Wednesday morning, Zambaali said NUP candidate Irene Nampala is well positioned to win the seat, which fell vacant following the death of former Woman MP Helen Nakimuli on April 19, 2026.
He predicted that the opposition party could secure up to 70 percent of the vote in what has largely become a two-horse race between NUP and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“We are going to win this by-election with 70 percent of the vote,” he said.
Zambaali argued that the late Nakimuli’s close relationship with residents would play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment, with many constituents seeking continuity in leadership.
“Because of the relationship the late Nakimuli had with the people of Kalangala, some voters may come out in the hope of replacing the leader and friend they lost,” he said.
He added that Nampala’s community connection makes her the most suitable candidate to carry forward that legacy.
“Since we are looking for an MP who can serve the people and is a people’s person, I think Irene Nampala is best suited for the role,” he said.
The by-election, which is currently underway, was triggered by the passing of Helen Nakimuli, who previously represented Kalangala District in Parliament.
Although five candidates are in the race, attention has largely centred on NUP’s Irene Nampala and NRM’s Aidah Nabayiga.
Nabayiga, a former Woman MP for Kalangala, is seeking to reclaim the seat, banking on her previous experience and the ruling party’s organisational strength.
Nampala, meanwhile, is campaigning on continuity, positioning herself as the successor to Nakimuli’s legacy and advocating for improved services in health, education, and fishing communities.
Other candidates in the race include independents Sharifah Babirye Kaala, Hellen Nagawa, and Agnes Nassuuna.
The campaign has highlighted key community concerns such as healthcare access, transport challenges, and the welfare of fishing communities, which remain central to Kalangala’s economy.
However, the contest has increasingly been viewed as a political litmus test between NUP and NRM ahead of the 2026 general election cycle.
