The Electoral Commission has announced a stakeholders’ engagement meeting as part of preparations for the upcoming Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, necessitated by the death of Woman MP-elect Helen Nakimuli.
According to the Commission, the meeting will be chaired by Justice Simon Byabakama and is slated for Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Kalangala District Council Hall grounds beginning at 8:00am.
The engagement is among the Electoral Commission’s initial activities following Nakimuli’s death on April 19, 2026.
Nakimuli, who had won the Kalangala Woman MP seat on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, reportedly died after undergoing surgery at Alexandra Medical Centre.
Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi said the gathering is intended to update stakeholders on the planned roadmap and overall arrangements for the by-election.
He explained that invitations have been extended to political party leaders, security officials, religious leaders, civil society actors, media representatives, LC1 chairpersons, and district authorities, among other stakeholders in Kalangala.
During the meeting, the Commission is expected to present the by-election programme and outline the legal procedures governing by-elections in Uganda.
Officials will also brief participants on their respective roles in ensuring that the electoral process remains peaceful, credible, and transparent.
Mucunguzi urged invited stakeholders to attend promptly, saying their input would be important as the Commission formally begins preparations for the vote. The exact polling date for the by-election is yet to be communicated.
Meanwhile, a number of aspirants have already shown interest in the vacant parliamentary seat.
Reports indicate that Nakimuli’s relatives have backed her sister, Irene Nampala, a social worker, to contest for the position and continue leading the Nakimuli Development Foundation.
Other prospective candidates include Aidah Nabayiga, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer who finished runner-up in the January 15 election.
Within NUP, several names have emerged, including journalist Maria Nakitende, Irene Nakanwagi, Beatrice Nanyomo, Betty Nalujja, and Roy Nakigozi Dembe. Agnes Namakula of the Democratic Party and independent contenders Hellen Flavia Nagawa, the current district deputy speaker and also secretary female affairs at the national youth council has also expressed interest in the race.
Nakimuli’s passing marked the second incident in which an elected leader for the 2026–2031 term died before taking office.
Separately, the Electoral Commission has unveiled the programme for the Kikuube District LC5 by-election following the death of Chairperson-elect Peter Banura Araali, who died in a road crash on April 4, 2026.
The Kikuube LC5 by-election is scheduled for June 18, 2026, while NRM primaries in the district are expected to be conducted on May 22, 2026.
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