President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday mounted a final campaign push in the island district of Kalangala, rallying residents to vote for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Woman Member of Parliament candidate, Idah Nabayiga, in Tuesday’s closely watched by-election.
The veteran leader, who is also the National Chairman of the ruling NRM party, used the campaign finale to assure islanders that the government remains committed to transforming Kalangala through improved transport, electricity, healthcare, education and wealth creation programmes.Addressing enthusiastic supporters during the final leg of the campaign, Museveni said electing the NRM flag bearer would strengthen coordination between the district and the central government, making it easier to implement development programmes.
“I campaigned in Kalangala in support of the NRM Woman MP candidate, Idah Nabayiga, and urged the people to vote for her so we can strengthen coordination and accelerate service delivery,” Museveni said after meeting residents.The President’s appearance marked the climax of weeks of intense campaigning ahead of Tuesday’s by-election, with the ruling party determined to retain the parliamentary seat.
FERRIES TOP THE AGENDA
Transport emerged as one of the key issues during Museveni’s address, with the President acknowledging that ferry services remain a lifeline for thousands of residents living on the Ssese Islands.
To address the challenge, Museveni announced that the government would add two more ferries to improve connectivity between the mainland and Kalangala.According to the President, one ferry will operate on the Nakiwogo-Lutoboka route while another will be deployed on the Bukakata-Kalangala crossing.
The announcement was welcomed by residents who have for years complained about delays, congestion and limited ferry schedules that affect trade, tourism and access to essential services.The additional ferries are expected to ease transportation of both passengers and cargo, while boosting tourism and economic activities in the picturesque island district.
ELECTRICITY EXPANSION
Museveni also promised to extend electricity to more communities across Kalangala.Although parts of the district have benefited from government electrification programmes, several islands continue to rely on generators and solar power.
The President said expanding electricity infrastructure would stimulate business, improve education and enhance healthcare services.Reliable electricity, he argued, remains a critical ingredient in attracting investment and creating employment opportunities for young people.
BETTER HEALTH AND EDUCATION
Health services also featured prominently in Museveni’s campaign message. He assured residents that government would continue strengthening healthcare delivery by improving medical facilities and ensuring that communities have better access to treatment.
Education was another priority. The President pledged continued investment in schools, saying government remains committed to improving learning conditions and expanding educational opportunities for children in the district.Museveni argued that better education and healthcare remain essential pillars for sustainable development.
PALM OIL SUCCESS STORY
The President also highlighted Kalangala’s palm oil project as one of government’s biggest success stories in transforming rural livelihoods.Over the years, palm oil cultivation has become one of the district’s leading economic activities, providing income for thousands of households.
Museveni encouraged residents to continue embracing commercial agriculture while adopting modern farming methods to increase productivity.He said government would continue supporting farmers through agricultural programmes designed to improve household incomes.
FOUR-ACRE MODEL
Another major talking point was the President’s Four-Acre Model, which encourages farmers with limited land to maximize production through enterprise selection and proper land utilization.
Museveni urged residents to embrace the model as a pathway to fighting poverty. Under the approach, farmers are encouraged to combine high-value enterprises such as coffee, fruits, livestock and food crops on relatively small pieces of land.The President has consistently promoted the initiative across the country as part of government’s wealth creation agenda.
SUSTAINABLE FISHING
Given Kalangala’s dependence on Lake Victoria, Museveni also emphasized sustainable fishing practices.
He noted that protecting fish stocks remains essential for safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring future generations continue benefiting from the lake’s resources.Government, he said, will continue supporting fishing communities while enforcing measures aimed at preserving the fisheries sector.
GRAND RALLY
Museveni later addressed what the NRM described as a grand campaign rally at Kibanga Playground in Kalangala Town Council.
The event attracted party leaders, local officials and hundreds of supporters dressed in the ruling party’s yellow colours. Songs, dancing and chants filled the venue as supporters awaited the President’s arrival.
Senior NRM officials used the rally to urge voters to turn up in large numbers and elect Nabayiga.Party leaders described the by-election as important for consolidating the ruling party’s support in the island district.
HIGH STAKES CONTEST
Tuesday’s by-election has attracted significant political attention, with both the ruling party and opposition forces viewing it as a key political contest.
For the NRM, victory would reinforce its dominance in the district while demonstrating continued grassroots support.For opposition parties, the election presents an opportunity to test the ruling party’s popularity in one of Uganda’s unique island constituencies.
The Electoral Commission has indicated that polling will proceed as scheduled, with voting expected to begin early Tuesday morning across designated polling stations.Security agencies have also assured residents that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure peaceful voting.
WHY KALANGALA MATTERS
Although geographically isolated, Kalangala occupies a strategic place in Uganda’s economy.The district is famous for its tourism potential, fishing industry and vast palm oil plantations.
Its location on Lake Victoria also makes reliable marine transport essential for movement of people, goods and government services.For many residents, development promises surrounding ferry transport, electricity and healthcare are likely to weigh heavily as they head to the ballot.
FINAL APPEAL
As the campaign officially came to an end, Museveni appealed to voters to back the ruling party candidate, arguing that electing an NRM legislator would strengthen collaboration between Parliament and the Executive.The President maintained that government already has clear plans for improving infrastructure, expanding social services and supporting wealth creation initiatives across the island district.
Now, the final verdict lies with the voters.
By this time tomorrow, Kalangala residents will have chosen who they believe is best placed to represent their interests in Parliament, bringing to a close a fiercely contested by-election that has placed Uganda’s island district firmly in the national spotlight.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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