By Karim Were
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has regained the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament seat after its candidate, Idah Nabayiga, secured a decisive victory in a closely watched by-election that attracted national political attention.
Official results released by Returning Officer Ronald Agaba showed Nabayiga polling 12,642 votes, comfortably defeating National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Irene Nampala, who garnered 7,474 votes.
The by-election was organized following the death of former Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli of NUP in April 2026, creating a vacancy in the island district’s parliamentary representation.
Nabayiga’s victory marks a significant political gain for the NRM, which invested heavily in the campaign and sought to reclaim a seat previously held by the opposition. The result strengthens the ruling party’s presence in Parliament ahead of the 2026–2031 legislative term.
The contest drew intense competition between NRM and NUP, with both parties treating Kalangala as a strategic battleground. President Yoweri Museveni personally campaigned for Nabayiga, urging voters to back the ruling party’s development agenda for the Ssese Islands.
During campaign rallies, NRM leaders emphasized infrastructure development, transport connectivity, healthcare services, education, electricity access, and fisheries support as key priorities for the district.
NUP, on the other hand, presented Irene Nampala as a fresh alternative and campaigned vigorously across the islands, hoping to retain the seat won by Nakimuli. The party focused on mobilizing younger voters and expanding its support base in the district.
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According to the Electoral Commission’s results, 20,611 valid votes were cast. Independent candidates Sharifah Babirye, Hellen Flavia Nagawa and Agnes Nasuuna received 244, 217 and 34 votes respectively. The election also recorded 427 rejected ballots, while a total of 21,038 ballot papers were counted.
While celebrations erupted among NRM supporters following the declaration, some opposition supporters raised concerns online about the conduct of the election, citing allegations of voter intimidation and ballot irregularities. However, no official findings had been issued by electoral authorities as of Thursday morning.
With the by-election concluded, attention is expected to shift from campaign politics to governance, as residents continue to demand solutions to longstanding challenges including transportation, healthcare access, education services and economic opportunities.
Following completion of the Electoral Commission’s post-election procedures, Nabayiga is expected to formally assume office as Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament.
