KALANGALA, Uganda — National Resistance Movement candidate Idah Nabayiga has been declared winner of the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, securing the seat for the ruling party in a contest characterized by low voter turnout and allegations of irregularities from opposition candidates.
According to official results announced by Returning Officer Ronald Agaba on Thursday, Nabayiga garnered 12,642 votes, defeating National Unity Platform candidate Irene Nampala, who polled 7,474 votes. Several independent candidates also contested the seat.
The by-election followed the death of former NUP Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli in April.
Voting across the island district proceeded peacefully in most areas, although turnout remained relatively low. Candidates and local residents attributed the subdued participation partly to the nature of livelihoods in Kalangala, where many residents depend on fishing and farming activities that often keep them away from polling stations. Some communities have also been affected by recent restrictions on mukene fishing in areas including Bubeke and Kyamuswa.
The campaign period was marked by intense political competition, with the ruling NRM mobilizing senior party leaders, including President Yoweri Museveni, to campaign for Nabayiga. The party had expressed confidence of a strong victory in the district, which has traditionally leaned toward the ruling party.
After casting her vote at Kibanga Church of Uganda Polling Station, Nabayiga said she was optimistic about winning and pledged to prioritize issues affecting local communities, including fisheries management, infrastructure development and service delivery.
However, opposition parties questioned the conduct of the election and alleged interference by security agencies.
National Unity Platform Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya claimed that military personnel were deployed around some polling stations, while independent candidate Hellen Flavia Nagawa alleged that some of her supporters and polling agents were arrested. She also accused political actors of engaging in voter bribery.
One of the most contentious incidents involved Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who said he was prevented from reaching Kalangala to monitor the election in support of NUP candidate Irene Nampala.
Ssenyonyi said he boarded a ferry at Bukakata Landing Site in Masaka District but experienced prolonged delays before the vessel was reportedly ordered to return. He alleged that the disruption was intended to block opposition leaders from observing the electoral process.
Authorities had not publicly commented on the allegations by press time, nor had they confirmed claims that any directive had been issued to prevent Ssenyonyi’s travel.
The Electoral Commission has yet to respond to the various accusations raised by opposition candidates.
The outcome further strengthens the NRM’s parliamentary presence while maintaining the party’s hold on the Kalangala Woman MP seat that had earlier been taken by NUP. However, opposition leaders say they are considering their next course of action and may seek legal redress over issues raised during the election.
Political observers say the by-election once again highlights longstanding concerns surrounding electoral access, transparency and the role of security agencies during elections, particularly in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
For now, Nabayiga’s victory ensures the seat remains in the hands of the ruling party as attention shifts to whether any formal petitions will emerge from the disputed contest.
