Kalangala -Five candidates have been nominated to contest for the position of Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament in the forthcoming by-election scheduled for June 24.
The by-election was called to fill the vacancy left by the late Hellen Nakimuli, who passed away in April shortly after retaining the seat in the February 15 general elections.
According to Ronald Agaba, the Kalangala District Returning Officer, five candidates were successfully nominated by the Electoral Commission by the close of the two-day nomination exercise on Thursday. Out of the six individuals who picked nomination forms, only five were cleared to contest.
The nominated candidates include Irene Nampala of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who is also the sister of the late Hellen Nakimuli, Aidah Nabayiga, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer and former Kalangala District Woman MP.
The other contenders, all running as independents, are Babirye Kaala Sharifah, Agnes Nassuuna, and Hellen Flavia Nagawa.
The Electoral Commission has officially cleared the candidates to commence campaign activities, which will run until June 22.
Speaking after her nomination, Irene Nampala expressed confidence that her party would retain the seat, citing the strength and determination of her campaign team.
“Despite the usual intimidation by the ruling party, our team is energized and ready to mobilize communities across Kalangala. We are confident that voters will once again choose change,” she said.
Nampala noted that her candidature is intended to continue the legacy and work of her late sister, Hellen Nakimuli.
Meanwhile, NRM candidate Aidah Nabayiga also expressed optimism about her chances of victory, attributing her confidence to the support of the party’s structures and leadership in the district.
She said her previous experience and record of service make her the most suitable candidate to represent the people of Kalangala.
Nabayiga has already received support from NRM Mobilisation Secretary Rosemary Nansubuga Sseninde and other senior party officials who are currently in the district to bolster her campaign efforts.
The three independent candidates have also expressed confidence in their chances of emerging victorious.
Hellen Flavia Nagawa, one of the independent candidates, said she intends to run a people-centred campaign focused on addressing the needs and concerns of local residents.
“We are only asking the Electoral Commission to ensure a free and fair election. I am confident that I can defeat all the other candidates,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has scheduled a campaign harmonisation meeting for all candidates on Friday. The meeting is intended to remind contestants of their obligations under the electoral guidelines and to promote peaceful campaigns while preventing possible clashes.
