Independent candidate Hellen Flavia Nagawa has unveiled an ambitious agenda focused on transport connectivity, healthcare, tourism, education, and women empowerment after being nominated for the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.
Nagawa, whose campaign symbol is a clock, is contesting as an independent candidate and positioning herself as a grassroots leader determined to address the unique challenges facing island communities across Kalangala District.
Speaking shortly after her nomination, the lawyer and youth leader pledged to lobby government for improved ferry transport and stronger interconnectivity among the islands that make up the district.
Kalangala District, which consists of more than 83 islands on Lake Victoria, remains one of Uganda’s most geographically isolated areas despite its growing importance as a tourism destination.
Residents continue to face challenges in accessing healthcare, education, markets, and government services due to unreliable transport systems.
Nagawa said improving marine transport would not only ease movement for residents but also boost trade and tourism.
“Kalangala receives many visitors, including foreign tourists, but movement between islands is still a major challenge. We need additional ferry services and development programs that can transform livelihoods across the islands,” she said.
She also pledged to advocate for the gazetting of Kalangala as a tourism district, arguing that the district deserves greater government support because of its tourism potential and strategic importance.
Her proposal could open doors for increased public investment in roads, landing sites, tourism infrastructure, and environmental conservation.
Tourism remains one of Kalangala’s biggest economic sectors, attracting both local and international visitors to the Ssese Islands. However, poor transport links and limited infrastructure continue to affect growth and service delivery.
Healthcare emerged as another key issue in Nagawa’s message.
She expressed concern over preventable maternal deaths, saying many women in island communities struggle to access timely medical care because of long distances and transport difficulties.
For years, residents in some islands have relied on small boats to transport patients to health centers, especially during emergencies and at night, exposing mothers and children to serious risks.
Nagawa said she intends to lobby for better-equipped health facilities, improved medical staffing, and stronger emergency response systems to reduce maternal deaths and improve healthcare access.
Her campaign also focuses heavily on empowering single mothers and protecting the girl child through education and social support programs.
She pledged to continue advocating for girls’ education, especially in remote island communities where poverty, early pregnancies, and school dropout rates remain major concerns.
Education sector improvements also feature prominently in her agenda, with Nagawa arguing that many children in island communities still lack equal access to quality education.
Residents say her message is resonating strongly with many voters because it directly addresses the daily realities of life in Kalangala rather than focusing on broad national politics.
Nagawa’s popularity in the district is also linked to her long record of community leadership and youth activism.
Before joining the parliamentary race, she served as Youth Councillor for Kalangala District and later became Deputy Speaker of the district council. She also served as Vice President of Rotaract Club Kalangala Ssese and currently serves as Secretary for Female Affairs at the National Youth Council in Kalangala.
Many residents see her as a leader who understands the struggles of ordinary island communities because of her active involvement in grassroots programs over the years.
Political observers argue that her appeal cuts across youth, women, and community groups because she combines professional credentials with practical leadership experience.
As a lawyer, supporters believe she can effectively represent Kalangala’s interests at national level, while her background in local leadership has helped her build trust among residents.
They also note that her independent candidature may be strengthening her support among voters seeking leaders they consider accessible, community-oriented, and less tied to party politics.
Her campaign symbol, the clock, is already becoming closely associated with messages of timely service delivery, accountability, and urgency in addressing Kalangala’s long-standing development challenges.
The Kalangala Woman MP by-election has drawn widespread attention following the death of former Woman MP-elect Hellen Nakimuli shortly after the 2026 general elections.
The outcome of the race is expected to shape future discussions on tourism development, transport connectivity, healthcare access, and service delivery in one of Uganda’s most unique but underserved districts.
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