KALANGALA, UGANDA – National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Idah Nabayiga has been declared the winner of the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, securing a decisive victory in a closely watched contest that attracted candidates from across the political spectrum.
According to official results announced by the district returning officer, Nabayiga garnered 12,642 votes, defeating five other candidates to reclaim the seat for the ruling NRM party. The by-election was held on June 24, 2026, following the death of former Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli, whose passing earlier this year left the seat vacant.
The election drew significant national attention, with major political parties viewing Kalangala as a strategic district due to its unique island geography and growing political importance. Nabayiga's victory strengthens the NRM's presence in the district and adds another parliamentary seat to the ruling party's tally.
Throughout her campaign, Nabayiga focused on issues affecting island communities, including improved healthcare services, access to clean water, better road infrastructure, and enhanced ferry services. She also pledged to advocate for fishing communities that continue to face economic and regulatory challenges on Lake Victoria.
The by-election was not without controversy. Opposition leaders and candidates raised concerns about the conduct of the electoral process, citing alleged irregularities involving electoral materials and security operations. Despite these concerns, voting proceeded across the district's polling stations, with the Electoral Commission overseeing the exercise.
President Yoweri Museveni personally campaigned for Nabayiga in the final days leading up to the vote, urging residents to support the NRM candidate while outlining the government's development plans for the island district. The President emphasized infrastructure development, transport connectivity, and economic empowerment for fishing communities as key priorities for Kalangala.
Nabayiga is no stranger to Ugandan politics. A native of Kalangala District, she previously served as the district's Woman Member of Parliament and has built a reputation as an advocate for education, community development, and improved livelihoods for island residents. Before joining active politics, she worked as a Community Development Officer and later as a Human Resource Officer under the Kalangala District Local Government.
Political analysts say the victory signals continued confidence among many voters in the NRM's ability to deliver development projects in hard-to-reach island communities. However, they note that expectations will now be high for the newly elected legislator to translate campaign promises into tangible improvements.
As celebrations erupted among NRM supporters across parts of Kalangala, attention is now turning to how Nabayiga will represent the interests of island communities in Parliament, particularly on transportation, fishing, tourism, healthcare, and economic development.
With the by-election concluded, Kalangala residents will be watching closely to see whether the promises made during the campaign season can help address the long-standing challenges facing Uganda's largest island district.