Independent candidate Hellen Nagawa has identified teenage pregnancies, school dropouts and inadequate public services as some of the key challenges facing Kalangala District, pledging to address them if elected Woman Member of Parliament.
Speaking during the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election debate hosted by NBS Television on Monday, Nagawa said increased community sensitization was needed to tackle the social challenges affecting young people in the island district.
“We face challenges of teenage pregnancies and school dropouts in Kalangala. More sensitization is needed, and I have been actively involved in raising awareness on these issues,” Nagawa said.
She also raised concerns about persistent infrastructure and service delivery gaps, arguing that residents continue to face difficulties despite years of political leadership in the district.
“At some point, Kalangala had NRM leadership for two consecutive terms, yet residents are still struggling with the lack of a hospital and poor road infrastructure,” she said.
Nagawa is contesting against Idah Nabayiga of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Irene Nampala of the National Unity Platform (NUP), and independent candidates Sharifah Babirye Kaala and Agnes Nassuuna.
The debate was marked by the absence of two candidates, Agnes Nassuuna and Irene Nampala.
Commenting on their absence, fellow independent candidate Sharifah Kaala questioned their commitment to engaging voters.
“Any candidate who did not come here lacks the courage and commitment needed to represent the people of Kalangala,” Kaala said.
The by-election, scheduled for Wednesday, will determine the successor to the late Helen Nakimuli, who died on April 19, 2026, at Alexandra Medical Centre in Kitante, Kampala.
Nakimuli passed away at the age of 40 shortly after undergoing surgery to treat uterine fibroids, only months after securing a second term in office.
The race has drawn significant attention as candidates outline competing visions for addressing the district’s social, economic and infrastructure challenges.
