The Electoral Commission has officially commenced the nomination process for candidates seeking to fill the vacant Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament seat following the death of former Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli.
The seat fell vacant after Nakimuli passed away on April 19, 2026, while undergoing treatment at Alexandria Medical Centre.
Speaking after the first day of the exercise held at the Kalangala District headquarters, the District Returning Officer, Ronald Agaba, said the nomination exercise would run for two days. He confirmed that three candidates had successfully been nominated to contest in the by-election.
Among those nominated was Idah Nabayiga, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, who pledged to prioritise healthcare services, improve road infrastructure, and lobby for more government development projects in the island district.
“We need better health facilities and improved roads to ease movement and service delivery. I am committed to ensuring that Kalangala receives the attention it deserves,” Nabayiga said.
The National Unity Platform (NUP) flag bearer, Irene Nampala, said she intends to continue the work of the late Nakimuli, particularly in advocating for fishermen’s rights, improving education standards, and empowering women.
“The late Hellen Nakimuli stood firmly for the people of Kalangala. I want to continue that struggle by defending our fishermen, improving education, and uplifting women in our communities,” Nampala said.
Independent candidate Hellen Flavia Nagawa pledged to unite the people of Kalangala regardless of political affiliation and to champion their interests in Parliament. She also vowed to address youth unemployment.
“My focus is on bringing all the people of Kalangala together and ensuring their voices are heard in Parliament. Youth unemployment remains a major challenge that requires urgent attention,” Nagawa said.
Senior NRM officials, including Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde, the party’s Head of Mobilization, and Ambassador James Kinobe, a commissioner on the NRM Electoral Commission, urged voters to support the ruling party, arguing that it is best positioned to deliver government services and development programmes.
“We ask the people of Kalangala to maintain their trust in NRM so that development and government services can continue reaching the district effectively,” Sseninde said.
On the opposition side, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya called on the Electoral Commission to conduct a free, fair, and transparent election.
“We appeal to the Electoral Commission to ensure a credible electoral process. The people of Kalangala deserve an election that reflects their true choice without intimidation or irregularities,” Rubongoya said.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Christopher Walusimbi, father of the late Hellen Nakimuli, urged voters to elect a leader who would continue advocating for the interests of the people of Kalangala.
“I urge the people of Kalangala to choose a leader who will effectively represent them and continue the work of serving our communities,” he said.
The Electoral Commission’s Central South Buganda Elections Supervisor, Harriet Kashagire, revealed that six individuals initially collected nomination forms, but only three had successfully completed the nomination process by the close of the first day.
“Six aspirants collected nomination forms, but only three have so far fulfilled all the nomination requirements. We encourage all candidates and their supporters to abide by electoral laws and regulations throughout the campaign period,” Kashagire said.
The Kalangala Woman MP by-election is expected to attract significant political attention as major political parties seek to secure the seat left vacant by the late Hellen Nakimuli.
Political observers say the contest is likely to focus on key issues affecting the island district, including healthcare, transport infrastructure, fisheries management, youth unemployment, and education, which featured prominently in the candidates’ messages.