The National Unity Platform (NUP) has selected Irene Nampala as its official candidate for the upcoming Kalangala District Woman MP by-election, positioning the sister of late legislator Hellen Nakimuli to continue the family’s political presence in the island district.
The party unveiled Nampala on Thursday after concluding an internal selection process overseen by the NUP Election Management Committee.
Committee chairperson Harriet Chemutai said 14 women had expressed interest in contesting on the NUP ticket, although only 13 completed the vetting process and advanced to the ground assessment stage.
Chemutai explained that the final results were based on two criteria, with vetting carrying 40 per cent and findings from the ground survey accounting for 60 per cent.
At the end of the exercise, Nampala topped the list with 68.2 per cent. Jesica Nassiwa Tushabe followed with 48.7 per cent, while Mary Nakitende secured 45.7 per cent.
“We request everyone to support Irene Nampala as the party flag bearer,” Chemutai said while announcing the results.
The by-election was triggered by the death of Kalangala Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli earlier this year following an illness. Her passing sparked an intense contest within NUP, with several women seeking to inherit the opposition party’s support in the district.
The race has since evolved into one of the most closely watched local political contests, partly because of the emotional connection many voters still hold with the late Nakimuli.
Reports from Kalangala indicate that members of Nakimuli’s family backed Nampala’s bid, arguing that she was best positioned to preserve her sister’s political agenda and relationship with constituents.
Other aspirants who participated in the NUP process included Roy Nakigozi, Aisha Nattayi, Irene Nakanwagi and Beatrice Nanyomo among others.
Meanwhile, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has already fronted former district Woman MP Aidah Nabayiga for the same seat, setting up what is expected to become a competitive by-election battle between the country’s two major political forces.
According to the Electoral Commission timetable, nominations are expected to take place on June 4 and June 5, while campaigns will run until June 22 before voters head to the polls on June 24, 2026.
