NUP Taps Irene Nampala for Kalangala Woman MP By-election

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has officially nominated Irene Nampala as its flag bearer for the upcoming by-election to fill the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament seat. Nampala, who is the sister of the late Hon. Helen Nakimuli, secured the party’s nomination after a competitive selection process involving 14 aspirants.

The vacancy arose due to the unfortunate passing of Hon. Nakimuli on April 19, 2026, just over a year after NUP secured the seat in the 2021 general elections.

According to Harriet Chemutai, Chairperson of NUP’s Elections Management Committee (EMC), the selection criteria focused on leadership qualities, party loyalty, grassroots support, and the ability to retain the constituency for the opposition. Chemutai emphasized that candidates’ connections with the people and their commitment to representing Kalangala residents’ interests were paramount.

Nampala, a known political activist and community mobiliser in Kalangala, has a strong background in grassroots engagement and opposition politics. Her involvement in the 2021 elections and subsequent party-building efforts in the island district has earned her recognition. Party officials view her as a promising young leader with deep ties to local NUP structures, particularly within the fishing communities.

Her advocacy work, focusing on women’s empowerment, youth livelihoods, and access to social services in remote areas, also contributed to her strong candidacy. Her ability to connect with women and young voters was a key factor highlighted by the EMC.

Nampala’s nomination is central to NUP’s strategy to maintain its presence in Kalangala, a district where the party achieved a significant victory in 2021. She is expected to face a challenge from the ruling NRM party, which has nominated former MP Aida Nabayiga. Discussions are ongoing among opposition parties regarding the potential for a joint candidate. NUP plans to engage unsuccessful aspirants to ensure party unity ahead of the June 24 by-election.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/nup-selects-late-nakimulis-sister-nampala-for-kalangala-by-election