The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has secured victory in the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, with its candidate, Idah Nabayiga, defeating her closest challenger from the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Official results declared by electoral authorities show Nabayiga garnered 12,642 votes, comfortably ahead of NUP candidate Irene Nampala, who polled 7,474 votes.
The victory hands the NRM a significant political win in the island district and strengthens the party’s representation in the 12th Parliament.
Celebrations erupted among NRM supporters across parts of Kalangala shortly after the results were announced, with party leaders describing the outcome as a vote of confidence in President Yoweri Museveni and the government’s development agenda in the district.
Throughout the campaign, Nabayiga pledged to improve household incomes, strengthen implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM), and advocate for better services for island communities. She also emphasized the need for effective monitoring of government programmes and increased support for fishing communities, which form the backbone of Kalangala’s economy.
The by-election attracted significant attention from senior NRM leaders, including President Museveni, who held a major campaign rally in Kalangala in the final days of the race. Several cabinet ministers and party officials also traversed the islands campaigning for the NRM candidate.
Political analysts say the result is likely to boost the ruling party’s confidence ahead of upcoming local government elections, while prompting reflection within opposition ranks about their strategy in island constituencies and rural districts.
Speaking after her victory, Nabayiga thanked the voters of Kalangala for their trust and pledged to represent all residents regardless of political affiliation.
“I am grateful to the people of Kalangala for the confidence they have placed in me. My focus now is to work with all stakeholders to address the challenges facing our communities and ensure government programmes benefit the people,” she said.
The victory officially returns the Woman MP seat to the NRM and further consolidates the party’s political foothold in the strategic island district on Lake Victoria.
