The National Unity Platform (NUP) has endorsed Irene Nampala as the party flag bearer for the forthcoming Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.
Nampala is the sister of the late Helen Nakimuli, whose death in April triggered the by-election.
Nakimuli had been re-elected to Parliament on the NUP ticket during the January 2026 General Election but later died following a surgical procedure in Kampala on Aprl 19, leaving Kalangala District without representation in Parliament.
The endorsement comes as political parties intensify preparations for what is expected to become a closely watched contest in Kalangala, an island district regarded as one of NUP’s strongholds.
Speaking at the party headquarters in Kampala, NUP Acting President Lina Zedriga rallied supporters to mobilise across the district to ensure victory for the party candidate.
“We shall sweep island by island to ensure Irene secures the needed victory,” Zedriga said, expressing confidence that the party would retain the seat previously held by Nakimuli.
The by-election has already attracted significant interest, with reports indicating that at least 13 women initially expressed interest in contesting for the seat, including 11 aspirants seeking the NUP endorsement.
Irene Nampala was among those vying for the party ticket before emerging as the preferred candidate.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission of Uganda has released the roadmap for the by-election.
According to the electoral programme, display of the voters’ register is currently underway across polling stations in Kalangala District and will continue until May 29. The exercise is intended to allow voters to verify their details and raise objections before polling day.
The Commission earlier conducted an update of the National Voters Register at parish level between May 11 and May 13, while May 13 was also set as the deadline for voter registration and transfer of voting locations within the district.
Under the roadmap, candidates will subsequently be nominated before launching campaigns across Kalangala’s scattered island communities.
Polling and tallying of results are scheduled for June 24, 2026.
The by-election is expected to test NUP’s influence in the district following Nakimuli’s death.
During her tenure in Parliament, Nakimuli earned recognition for advocating issues affecting island communities, including transport connectivity, health services, education access and women’s empowerment.
