The race to replace the late Hellen Nakimuli has officially taken shape after the Electoral Commission (EC) successfully cleared five candidates to contest in the upcoming Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.
The two-day nomination exercise concluded on Thursday at the district headquarters, setting the stage for what political analysts predict will be a fierce battle between the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the National Unity Platform (NUP), and strategic independent candidates.
According to Ms. Harriet Kashagire, the Electoral Commission Returning Officer for Central South, six aspirants originally picked nomination forms, but only five successfully returned them to fulfill the requirements.
The final day of nominations saw Independent candidate Ms. Babirye Sharifa Kaala and Ms. Agnes Nasuuna getting cleared by the electoral body. They joined three other contenders who were nominated on Wednesday: Ms. Aidah Nabayiga (NRM), Ms. Irene Nampala (NUP), and another independent, Ms. Helen Flavia Nagawa.
The race features complex internal party dynamics. Ms. Kaala is known to be NUP-leaning but chose to run on an independent ticket after the party card went to Nampala. Similarly, Ms. Nagawa is an NRM-leaning independent who chose to stand after losing to Nabayiga in the party’s primary elections.
Ms Kaala’s decision to run as an independent could trigger internal disciplinary action from her parent party. Article 5, Section 5(c) of the NUP constitution explicitly provides for the automatic expulsion of members who contest against officially endorsed party candidates.
However, speaking shortly after her nomination on Thursday, Ms. Kaala remained defiant, noting that consultations with residents convinced her to stay in the race.
“I realized I am the suitable candidate to represent the people of Kalangala. Added to the consultations I made, I decided to stand as an independent candidate,” Ms. Kaala said. She pledged to focus on revitalizing the district’s tourism and fishing sectors. “Kalangala District is one of the top tourism destinations in Uganda. However, we need to uplift our image, especially in Kalangala Town Council, to attract more visitors.”
The candidates have drawn distinct battle lines, focusing on health, infrastructure, and the island’s delicate fishing economy.
Ms Aidah Nabayiga (NRM): Pledged to lobby the central government to elevate Kalangala Health Centre IV to a fully-fledged general hospital. “Kalangala needs a district hospital so that our people do not continue spending a lot of money seeking treatment on the mainland,” she noted.
Ms Irene Nampala (NUP): The sister of the deceased MP, Nampala promised to carry forward the torch of her late sibling. She emphasized operationalizing new fisheries regulations, ensuring a consistent supply of medicines in health facilities, and empowering women through organized economic groups.
Ms Helen Flavia Nagawa (Independent): Focused her platform on improving the island’s road network and advocating for marginalized groups.
“I will fight for the boy child who has been left behind as girls continue to receive empowerment opportunities,” Nagawa said, while also promising to advocate for silverfish (mukene) fishermen who face stringent regulatory bans.
As the official campaign window opens from June 12 to June 22, top party mobilizers have descended upon the islands to pitch camp, each projecting ultimate victory for the polling day slated for June 24.
The NRM National Mobiliser, Ms Rose Mary Sseninde, stated that the ruling party’s existing dominance in Kalangala’s local leadership structures gives them an undeniable mathematical advantage.
“The President is from NRM, Kalangala has two MPs from NRM, and the district chairperson is also from NRM. We remain with just the Woman MP seat to make it 100 percent NRM leadership. The NRM government works for the people of Kalangala,” Sseninde asserted.
Conversely, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya defended the party’s choice of Ms. Nampala, stating that her selection was purely data-driven and backed by local demand.
“We sent our teams to the ground and the people of Kalangala requested us to front Irene Nampala. Although we have been given a short campaign period, we believe our message has already reached the people,” Rubongoya said.
The Kalangala Woman MP seat fell vacant following the tragic passing of the former area MP, Hellen Nakimuli, in April. Given the high stakes, the Electoral Commission has issued strong warnings against electoral violence.
Ms Kashagire assured the public that the EC has put in place all necessary measures to ensure a peaceful electoral process across the islands.
“Everybody has been involved to make sure we have a peaceful election. What happens is that there are people who violate the laws and begin to tussle with security personnel,” Ms. Kashagire warned, urging candidates and their supporters to report any grievances directly to the commission rather than taking matters into their own hands.
Mr Rubongoya echoed the call for civility, expressing hope for an election free of the violence and intimidation that has marred previous by-elections in the country.