National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Idah Nabayiga has been declared the duly elected Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala District after securing a decisive victory in Tuesday’s by-election, defeating four other candidates in a contest that has already ignited political debate.
According to the Electoral Commission’s final results, Nabayiga garnered 12,642 votes, comfortably ahead of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Irene Nampala, who received 7,474 votes. Independent candidate Sharifah Babirye polled 244 votes, Hellen Flavia Nagawa secured 217 votes, while Agnes Nassuuna received 34 votes.
NABAYIGA PROMISES SERVICE DELIVERY
Moments after being declared the winner, an emotional Nabayiga thanked the people of Kalangala for entrusting her with the responsibility of representing them in Parliament.
“I thank the people of Kalangala for the trust and confidence they placed in me. I am pledging to serve them with dedication, integrity, and honesty,” she said. The MP-elect pledged to prioritize better healthcare, education, roads, fisheries, and livelihood programmes for the island district.
She said her leadership would focus on ensuring government programmes benefit all residents regardless of political affiliation. “I will work closely with the people to ensure that the issues affecting Kalangala are addressed. My election is a victory for every resident of the district,” she added.
NRM CELEBRATES VICTORY
The declaration of results sparked celebrations among NRM supporters across Kalangala, with party members waving yellow flags, singing party songs and praising the electorate for what they described as a clear endorsement of the ruling party.
“We have confidence that Hon. Nabayiga will continue the NRM’s development agenda. The people have chosen progress and continuity,” one jubilant supporter said outside the tally centre.
Another supporter added that the outcome reflected the confidence voters have in the government’s programmes. “The people have spoken through the ballot. We are happy because they have chosen a leader who will work with government to improve service delivery,” the supporter said.
NRM LEADERSHIP CONGRATULATES WINNER
NRM Director of Information and Publicity Emmanuel Dombo congratulated the newly elected legislator and thanked voters for participating peacefully in the by-election.
“Congratulations Hon. Aidah Nabayiga upon your election as the Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala District. We thank the NRM members of Kalangala and all the people of Kalangala for participating in this civic exercise to elect their leaders. We also thank the National Chairman for the support,” Dombo posted.
Political commentator Sheena Nabagereka attributed the victory to effective mobilisation by the ruling party. “The people of Kalangala have every right to choose leaders they believe will deliver for their constituency. The massive support NRM received reflects better mobilisation, planning, and a message that resonated with voters. Leadership is about action, not excuses,” she said. Edgar Wills also congratulated the winner, describing the victory as well deserved.
“Congratulations to our sister, Hon. Idah Nabayiga, on her well-deserved victory as the Woman Member of Parliament for Kalangala District. I wish her great success as she takes on this important responsibility and look forward to her continued service to the people of Kalangala.”
NUP REJECTS ELECTION OUTCOME
Despite the celebrations, the National Unity Platform rejected the outcome, alleging that the electoral process was not credible. Although the party’s candidate Irene Nampala had not immediately issued a detailed statement following the declaration, the opposition questioned the conduct of the election and indicated that it would continue highlighting what it considers flaws in Uganda’s electoral system.
BOBI WINE LAUNCHES FRESH ATTACK
NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, reacted strongly to the by-election results on social media.”Looking at what the regime did in Kalangala yesterday, would anyone be wrong to assume that they killed Hon. Nakimuli to forcefully take over that District, the same way they killed Ffeffeka to take over Kayunga,” he wrote.
Bobi Wine’s statement reflected the opposition’s dissatisfaction with the electoral process. His remarks constitute allegations, and government officials had not immediately responded to them.The Electoral Commission has maintained that the Kalangala by-election was conducted in accordance with Uganda’s electoral laws and that the announced results reflected the votes cast.
POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Political analysts say the Kalangala by-election offered an important test for both the ruling NRM and the opposition as parties continue preparing for future electoral contests.For the NRM, the victory strengthens its presence in Parliament and reinforces its influence in the island district.For the NUP, the outcome is likely to intensify demands for electoral reforms and greater transparency in the management of elections.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR NABAYIGA?
As celebrations continue among her supporters, Nabayiga is expected to begin preparations for taking office as Kalangala District Woman MP.She has promised to represent every resident regardless of political affiliation and says her immediate priority will be engaging communities to identify the district’s most urgent development needs.
Her election closes a closely watched by-election but opens a new chapter in Kalangala’s political leadership, even as disagreements over the credibility of the electoral process continue to shape the national political conversation.
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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