Kalangala By-election Heats Up as NRM Welcomes NUP Defector, Both Parties Urge Unity

The upcoming Kalangala District Woman MP by-election is shaping up to be a closely contested race, with both the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the National Unity Platform (NUP) ramping up their campaign efforts. The political landscape in the island district saw a significant shift with the defection of Mr. Richard Katumba, former Kalangala District Speaker, from the NUP to the ruling NRM.

During a ceremony on June 9, NRM Vice Chairperson for Buganda Region, Mr. Haruna Kasolo, formally welcomed Katumba, tasking him with mobilizing opposition members to join the NRM. Kasolo also cautioned NRM leaders against disloyalty and clandestine dealings, emphasizing the importance of genuine commitment to the party’s objectives.

Kasolo expressed strong confidence in the NRM’s candidate, Ms. Aidah Nabayiga, portraying her as the most suitable representative for Kalangala’s specific needs. He criticized the opposition for allegedly fielding candidates unfamiliar with the local culture and norms, suggesting they were “outsiders” from areas like Luweero.

The NRM’s National Mobilizer, Ms. Rosemary Sseninde, acknowledged past electoral setbacks in Kalangala, attributing them to internal divisions and urging party members to overcome past grievances. To ensure victory, the NRM plans a decentralized, village-level campaign strategy, involving leaders in every village to mobilize voters and establish vote-protection teams.

Meanwhile, the NUP is mobilizing its base to retain the seat left vacant by the late MP Hellen Nakimuli. NUP National Mobilizer Mr. Habib Buwembo rallied party members to remain united and focused on securing victory for their candidate, emphasizing that Kalangala’s constituents had previously entrusted the NUP with the mandate.

The by-election follows the death of MP Nakimuli in April. Nominations are scheduled for June 10-11, with official campaigns running from June 12-22, and polling on June 24. The district, comprising 42,452 registered voters across 155 polling stations on 64 islands, presents unique logistical challenges. Despite NUP’s victory in the last general election, the NRM enters this by-election with considerable momentum, having recently secured wins in key county parliamentary seats, the LC5 chairperson position, and a majority of district council seats.

This reporting was cited from the Daily Monitor (Uganda).