Political activity is steadily gaining momentum in Kalangala District following the death of former Woman Member of Parliament Helen Nakimuli. Several aspiring candidates have already expressed interest in contesting for the vacant seat ahead of the by-election scheduled for next month.
Today, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama, together with other commission officials, traveled to the Ssese Islands where they held a stakeholders’ meeting at Kalangala District headquarters.
The meeting brought together aspiring candidates, district leaders, election officials, and residents to discuss preparations and challenges ahead of the highly anticipated by-election.
During the meeting, Justice Byabakama officially announced that the Kalangala Woman MP by-election will take place on the 24th of next month.
He called upon all candidates and their supporters to conduct peaceful campaigns and avoid acts of violence or intimidation during the electoral process.
“Leadership is not measured by the number of vehicles in your convoy or the crowds that escort you during nominations. True leadership is determined by the trust and confidence voters place in you through valid votes cast peacefully at the ballot box,” Justice Byabakama said.
The Electoral Commission chairperson also confirmed that biometric voter verification machines will be deployed at polling stations across Kalangala District to enhance transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
“We have learnt important lessons from previous elections. This time round, we are committed to ensuring that biometric voter verification machines are available and functional at all polling stations to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process,” he added.
However, the meeting also highlighted concerns from residents and aspiring candidates regarding the logistical challenges of conducting elections in the island district. Kalangala comprises 84 islands with more than 115 polling stations scattered across Lake Victoria, making transportation a major challenge.
Residents appealed to the Electoral Commission to provide special transport arrangements for both voters and election materials to avoid delays and confusion on polling day.
Kalangala District Chairperson Rajab Ssemakula criticized what he described as excessive military deployment during elections, arguing that police officers are capable of maintaining law and order professionally.
“We want elections that are peaceful and free from fear. The police can manage election security without turning the entire process into a military operation,” Ssemakula said.
Electoral Commission officials also acknowledged the difficulties of organizing elections in the island district, citing harsh weather conditions, unreliable transport, and communication barriers between islands.
“On one occasion during previous elections, our boat nearly capsized while transporting election materials. Conducting elections in Kalangala requires extra planning, resources, and commitment because movement across the islands is extremely challenging,” one polling assistant said.
Meanwhile, aspiring candidates used the meeting to highlight issues they intend to prioritize if elected to Parliament. These included poor transport networks, limited access to healthcare services, youth unemployment, and inadequate service delivery across the islands.
National Unity Platform aspirant Maria Nakitende pledged to advocate for improved healthcare services in Kalangala, noting that many residents travel long distances by water to access specialized treatment.
“People in Kalangala deserve quality healthcare like any other Ugandans. Many mothers, children, and elderly people continue to suffer because health facilities on the islands are under-equipped and understaffed. If elected, improving healthcare will be one of my top priorities,” Nakitende said.
As campaigns take shape, residents say the next Woman Member of Parliament must be prepared to address long-standing transport and development challenges while effectively representing the unique needs of island communities in Parliament.
Attention now remains focused on how the Electoral Commission and security agencies will manage the logistical demands of conducting a credible and peaceful election in one of Uganda’s most geographically challenging districts.
