Candidates contesting in the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election are intensifying their campaigns ahead of polling day, despite strong winds and rough waters on Lake Victoria that have disrupted movements across the district’s islands.
As campaigns enter their final days, candidates and their teams have been traversing Kalangala’s 64 inhabited islands in an effort to canvass support. However, adverse weather conditions have complicated transportation and slowed campaign activities in parts of the district.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs and NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda Region, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, who is leading the ruling party’s campaign efforts in Kalangala, acknowledged the logistical difficulties caused by the weather.
“We have been greatly affected by the current conditions on the lake. However, as NRM, we divided ourselves into several teams to ensure that our campaign activities continue and that we reach as many voters as possible,” Kasolo said.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) is not the only political group affected. Other candidates and campaign teams have also faced challenges maintaining their schedules due to the unpredictable conditions on Lake Victoria.
Kasolo also accused some political actors of disregarding the cultural values and traditions of island communities, alleging that supporters had been ferried to some islands without adequate appreciation of local customs.
“We have received reports that some people have been brought into Kalangala in a manner that undermines the cultural traditions and norms of the island communities,” he alleged.
Meanwhile, some residents said the campaigns have exposed visiting politicians to the daily realities faced by island communities, particularly transportation challenges and the risks associated with travelling on the lake.
“Many of these politicians had never experienced the challenges we face on the lake. Now they have seen them for themselves, and we hope they will give our communities the attention, respect, and support they deserve,” one resident said.
Local leaders have urged candidates, campaign teams, and supporters to exercise caution while travelling across the lake, warning that the strong winds continue to pose significant risks to water transport.
“Anyone who can avoid unnecessary travel on the lake should do so because the winds are extremely strong. Those who must travel for campaign activities should ensure that they wear life jackets and observe all safety measures,” said Willy Lugoloobi, the Bujumba Member of Parliament.
Polling for the Kalangala District Woman MP by-election is scheduled for June 24, with candidates making a final push for votes despite the difficult weather conditions and transportation challenges across the island district.