The race for the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament seat has entered a critical phase, with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) intensifying campaigns across the island district ahead of polling day.
Political activity has increased following the nomination of candidates by the Electoral Commission to contest in the by-election triggered by the death of former Woman MP Helen Nakimuli earlier this year.
Senior leaders from various political parties have since camped in Kalangala to mobilize support for their candidates, with the most visible contest emerging between the NRM and NUP.
The NRM campaign is being led by State Minister for Foreign Affairs and NRM Vice Chairman for Buganda Region Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, who spent the day traversing several islands, meeting boda boda riders, fishermen, market vendors and women engaged in small-scale businesses.
Kasolo urged residents to vote for NRM flag bearer Aidah Nabayiga, arguing that the ruling party remains best placed to address the district's development challenges.
"The NRM government has the capacity and experience to address the challenges facing Kalangala. We are asking voters to support our candidate so that government programmes can be effectively implemented in the district," Kasolo said.
Bujumba County MP Willy Lugoloobi said the NRM's loss in the previous election was largely a result of internal divisions within the party. He noted that those disagreements have since been resolved and expressed confidence that the party is now better positioned to reclaim the seat.
"In the last election, we had the numbers and support needed to win, but internal misunderstandings affected our performance. Those issues have been addressed and we believe victory is within reach this time," Lugoloobi said.
As campaigns continue, residents have highlighted infrastructure challenges as some of the key issues they want addressed by their next representative.
While water transport remains a longstanding concern in the island district, many voters say the poor condition of roads has become equally problematic.
Several residents complained that deteriorating roads are affecting movement, access to services and the transportation of goods.
"Our roads are in a poor state and this affects business, access to services, and movement within the islands. We need leaders who will prioritize these issues," one resident said.
Kasolo maintained that continued support for the NRM government would help accelerate efforts to address the district's development needs.
Meanwhile, NUP chief mobiliser Habib Buwembo has also intensified campaigns across the district as the opposition seeks to secure victory in the by-election.
With only seven days remaining before polling day, political temperatures continue to rise across Kalangala.
Leaders from both NRM and NUP have accused each other of fuelling political hostility, raising concerns about the conduct of campaigns during the final stretch.
Security agencies have appealed to candidates and their supporters to maintain peace and avoid actions that could disrupt the electoral process as voters prepare to elect a new Woman MP.