The Electoral Commission has concluded the nomination exercise for candidates seeking to replace the late Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament, Helen Nakimuli.
Five candidates have been cleared to contest in the June 24 by-election, each promising to champion development and improve the welfare of residents across the Ssese Islands.
Residents from various sub-counties in Kalangala District gathered at the district headquarters to witness the nomination of candidates vying to succeed Nakimuli, who died in April this year.
On the final day of nominations, Babirye Sharifah Kaala and Agnes Nasuuna were successfully nominated, completing the list of candidates cleared to contest in the race.
During her nomination, Babirye selected a boat as her campaign symbol, saying it reflects her commitment to the fishing communities that constitute a significant portion of Kalangala's population.
“The boat represents the people of Kalangala whose livelihoods depend on the lake. I want to be a strong voice for fishing communities and ensure their concerns are addressed,” Babirye said.
She noted that fishing and palm oil farming remain the district's primary economic activities and pledged to advocate for better returns for farmers.
“We must ensure that palm oil farmers receive fair returns for their produce so that they can improve their household incomes and livelihoods,” she added.
Babirye said her decision to contest stems from a desire to continue the work and aspirations that voters entrusted to Nakimuli when they elected her for a second term.
“I want to build on the foundation that Helen Nakimuli laid and fulfill the hopes that the people of Kalangala had placed in her leadership,” she said.
Another contender, Agnes Nasuuna, pledged to prioritize transformation and development across the district if elected.
“Residents should expect meaningful change and development across the district because that is what I intend to deliver if given the opportunity to serve,” Nasuuna said.
Despite Kalangala District having existed for nearly three decades since its creation in 1996, residents say many of the challenges that existed at its inception remain unresolved and require urgent intervention.
They said they expect the next Woman Member of Parliament to be accessible, accountable and committed to addressing the district's development concerns.
Meanwhile, Kalangala Resident District Commissioner and Chairperson of the District Security Committee, Fred Badda, assured residents that security agencies are fully prepared to guarantee a peaceful electoral process.
“We are committed to ensuring that all candidates campaign freely and that voters exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful environment,” Badda said.
The Electoral Commission has cleared Iren Nampala of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Aidah Nabayigga of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and independent candidates Sharifah Kaala, Agnes Nasuuna and Flavia Hellen to contest in the by-election.
Kalangala District Returning Officer Ronald Agaba confirmed that nominations had officially closed and urged candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns.
“If all candidates organize campaign programmes that do not clash with those of their opponents, we shall be able to have a peaceful election in Kalangala,” Agaba said.
Campaign activities are expected to commence on June 12, giving the five candidates a 10-day window to canvass for support across the island district before campaigns conclude on June 22, in line with the Electoral Commission roadmap.