The National Unity Platform has announced that aspiring candidates for the Kalangala Woman Member of Parliament by-election will officially declare their interest on May 14, 2026, as the party moves to fill the vacancy left by the death of MP-elect Hellen Nakimuli.
The exercise will be conducted at the party headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala, where all hopefuls are expected to physically submit their application documents as part of a strict internal selection process.
According to the party’s guidelines, applicants must present a valid NUP membership card, a detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified academic transcripts, and a National Identity Card.
Johnmary Ssebwufu, a member of the party’s elections management committee, said the process is designed to be transparent and focused on identifying a candidate who reflects the aspirations of voters in Kalangala.
The party has scheduled the vetting of all eligible applicants for Saturday, May 16, 2026. Those who pass this stage will proceed to a technical evaluation and later participate in a public debate before the final flagbearer is announced by the party leadership.
Interestingly, the family of the late MP-elect Hellen Nakimuli has already proposed her sister, Irene Nampala, as a potential contender. However, she too will be required to go through the same competitive internal procedures like all other aspirants.
The parliamentary seat became vacant following the sudden death of Nakimuli, a prominent NUP legislator and MP-elect for the 12th Parliament. Known widely as “Mama Kalangala,” she passed away on April 19, 2026, at Alexandros Medical Center in Kampala after complications arising from a surgical procedure. Her death came shortly after securing re-election in the January 2026 general polls, prompting the need for a by-election.
The Electoral Commission Uganda has since released the roadmap for the by-election. The update of the voters’ register closes on May 12, 2026, while the display of the register will run from May 20 to May 29, 2026. Candidate nominations are scheduled for June 4 and June 5, followed by campaigns from June 8 to June 22. Polling day is set for June 24, 2026.
Addressing concerns over recurring security incidents during by-elections, the party’s Electoral Commission Chairperson, Harriet Chemutai, assured supporters that measures are in place to safeguard their vote.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, has urged all political actors and stakeholders to strictly adhere to electoral laws, emphasizing that the by-election is crucial to ensure Kalangala is represented in the 12th Parliament, which is expected to commence this June.
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