The Electoral Commission has nominated three candidates to contest in the forthcoming Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, setting the stage for a contest between the National Resistance Movement (NRM), the National Unity Platform (NUP), and an independent candidate.
The by-election was called following the death of former Woman MP Helen Nakimuli in April this year.
A lively political atmosphere characterized the first day of nominations at the Kalangala District headquarters, with supporters of various candidates turning up in large numbers to demonstrate support for their preferred contenders.
Independent candidate Helen Flavia Nagawa became the first aspirant to be successfully nominated.
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Speaking shortly after her nomination, Nagawa said her campaign would focus on addressing the unique challenges facing island communities, particularly in healthcare, transport, and youth empowerment.
"The people of Kalangala need better health services, improved transport on the islands, and opportunities for women and young people. If elected, I will work closely with the community to address these challenges," she said.
Former Kalangala District Woman MP Aidah Nabayigga was later nominated as the NRM flagbearer.
She arrived at the nomination venue accompanied by NRM National Mobilisation Secretary Rose Sseninde and other party officials.
Nabayigga thanked the ruling party and her supporters for entrusting her with the task of reclaiming the seat.
"I am grateful to the people of Kalangala and the NRM leadership for their support. I have returned to offer experienced leadership and continue advocating for the development needs of our islands," she said.
She argued that her previous experience in Parliament and public service positions her to effectively represent the district and lobby for improved services.
Addressing supporters, Rose Sseninde expressed confidence that the NRM would strengthen its support in the island district.
"The NRM is focused on strengthening its support in the islands. We are confident that with our structures and message, we shall reclaim all these constituencies and continue delivering services to the people," she said.
The National Unity Platform candidate, Irene Nampala, was also nominated after arriving at the venue accompanied by the party's Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, and other party leaders.
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Nampala pledged to prioritise accountability and improved service delivery if elected.
"I am ready to offer servant leadership to the people of Kalangala. Our campaign is centred on accountability, better service delivery, and giving the people a stronger voice in Parliament," she said.
Rubongoya called on security agencies and the Electoral Commission to guarantee a peaceful and credible electoral process.
"We call upon security agencies and the Electoral Commission to ensure a free and fair election. Every candidate should be allowed to campaign peacefully without intimidation or violence," he said.
Harriet Kashagire, the Electoral Commission's Regional Elections Officer for Central South, assured candidates and voters that the commission would conduct a transparent and credible election.
"The Electoral Commission is committed to conducting a transparent and credible election. We urge all candidates and their supporters to remain peaceful and comply with the electoral guidelines," Kashagire said.
By the close of the first day of nominations, only three of the six aspirants who had picked nomination forms had successfully been cleared to contest for the seat.
The by-election is expected to attract significant political attention, with both the NRM and NUP seeking to strengthen their influence in the island district.
