Kalangala By-Election: Fierce Winds Hamper Last-Minute Campaigns on Lake Victoria

As the June 24th polling day approaches, candidates vying for the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament seat are in a race against time and the elements. The island district, comprising 64 inhabited islands, presents unique logistical challenges, which have been exacerbated by severe weather conditions on Lake Victoria. Strong winds and turbulent waters have made inter-island travel perilous, slowing down the final push for votes.

NRM’s campaign lead, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, acknowledged the difficulties, stating that his teams have divided to overcome the weather-induced obstacles and maximize voter outreach. However, the challenge is not exclusive to the ruling party; other candidates and their campaign crews are also struggling to maintain their planned itineraries amidst the unpredictable lake conditions.

Beyond the logistical hurdles, Kasolo also raised concerns about campaign conduct, alleging that some political actors have disregarded local cultural norms by ferrying supporters to islands without proper respect for island traditions. This accusation adds another layer of complexity to the already tense electoral race.

Meanwhile, the harsh weather has provided some residents with a stark reminder of the daily realities faced by island communities, particularly concerning transportation safety. One resident expressed hope that the politicians’ firsthand experience with these challenges would translate into greater attention and support for their needs.

Local leaders are urging for extreme caution on the lake. Willy Lugoloobi, the Bujumba MP, advised minimizing non-essential travel and stressed the importance of life jackets and safety measures for anyone compelled to travel for campaign activities. The unpredictable weather continues to pose a significant risk to all water transport.

Despite these significant impediments, candidates are making a final, determined effort to connect with voters before the election date.