Politics 25 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
NUP Alleges Widespread Rigging in Kalangala By-election, Releases Video Evidence
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has strongly contested the results of the Kalangala District Woman MP by-election, releasing video evidence they claim shows widespread ballot stuffing and military interference. The Electoral Commission has declared the NRM candidate the winner amidst the controversy. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/nup-cries-foul-shares-videos-of-alleged-ballot-stuffing-in-kalangala-by-election-5509054
The NRM candidate, Idah Nabayiga, has been declared the winner of the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, securing 12,642 votes against NUP’s Irene Nampala, who garnered 7,474 votes. The results were announced late on June 25, 2026, but the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has vehemently rejected the outcome, citing numerous irregularities.
NUP officials have accused state security apparatuses, including the military, of orchestrating a plan to rig the election in favor of the ruling party. Throughout election day and into the early hours of the announcement, NUP disseminated video footage and images on social media platforms, purportedly showing security operatives and NRM supporters stuffing ballot boxes with pre-ticked papers. The party asserted that their polling agents were forcibly removed from voting stations to facilitate these alleged acts of fraud.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, drew parallels to past elections, questioning the circumstances surrounding the by-election, which was necessitated by the death of the former MP, Helen Nakimuli. The party also reported the targeted arrest of several supporters and polling agents, who they claim remain in state detention.
Despite the strong allegations, NUP candidate Irene Nampala expressed confidence that she had won the mandate of the Kalangala residents and is awaiting the NUP’s decision on the next steps. Meanwhile, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama criticized the police for failing to enforce a directive to impound vehicles without number plates seen participating in election-related activities, an issue he noted was prevalent during the polls.
The Electoral Commission and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) had not officially responded to NUP’s specific video evidence and rigging allegations by the time of the report.