The Electoral Commission has officially set June 24 as the polling day for the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, following the sudden vacancy left by the passing of the area’s former legislator, Helen Nakimuli.
The announcement was made by Electoral Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama, who is currently in Kalangala to oversee preparations and engage stakeholders ahead of the electoral exercise.
Nakimuli, who had just secured a second term in the January elections, died before she could be sworn in in May, leaving the island district without a woman representative in Parliament.
According to the electoral roadmap released by the Commission, nominations for aspiring candidates will take place on June 10 and June 11, while campaigns will officially run from June 12 to June 22.
The Commission emphasized that the condensed timetable is intended to ensure a swift transition while maintaining constitutional timelines for representation.
Byabakama, while addressing stakeholders in Kalangala, called upon all candidates, political actors, and residents to strictly observe law and order throughout the electoral process.
He further urged all duty bearers, including security agencies and local administrators, to ensure a peaceful and transparent election period.
The Uganda Police Force, which will serve as the lead security agency during the by-election, has also been tasked with maintaining stability across the island district before, during, and after polling.
Despite the official guidelines, some residents and aspiring candidates have raised concern over the limited campaign period, arguing that the short window may not provide sufficient time to effectively reach and engage voters spread across the islands of Kalangala District.
As the political atmosphere gradually builds on the lake-dotted district, attention now shifts to what is expected to be a closely watched contest, shaped by both national party interests and local community dynamics.
