NUP Vetting 14 Aspirants for Kalangala Woman MP By-Election

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has started to vet aspirants seeking the party’s endorsement to allow them to contest for the Kalangala District Woman MP seat by-election.

The seat fell vacant following the sudden death of former Woman MP, Hellen Nakimuli, who had been reelected to the 12th Parliament.

NUP Electoral Commission Chairperson, Harriet Chemutai, revealed that 14 women have so far expressed interest in the seat. She said the vetting exercise was still going on at the party headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala.

Chemutai, however, declined to disclose the names of the aspirants. Sources within the party and family members confirmed that Irene Nampala, sister to the late Hellen Nakimuli, is among those seeking to be endorsed.

“All interested candidates are being subjected to the same party procedures to ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process,” Chemutai said.

Applicants were required to present a valid NUP membership card, curriculum vitae, certified academic documents, and copies of their national identity cards.

Johnmary Ssebwufu, a member of the party’s Elections Management Committee, told journalists on Monday that the vetting exercise is intended to identify a strong candidate capable of retaining the seat for the opposition party.

According to the party roadmap, shortlisted candidates will undergo a technical assessment and later participate in a public debate before the final party flag bearer is announced over the weekend. 

The Kalangala Woman MP seat fell vacant following the death of Hellen Nakimuli, popularly known as “Mama Kalangala.” Nakimuli passed away on April 19, 2026, at Alexandros Medical Center in Kampala after complications arising from surgery.

Nakimuli had recently been declared the winner of the January 2026 general election and was expected to represent Kalangala in the 12th Parliament, whose swearing-in activities end today, Friday, 15, 2026.

According to the Electoral Commission roadmap, display of the register will run from May 20 to May 29, 2026, and nomination of candidates is scheduled for June 4 and 5, while campaigns will run from June 8 to June 22 ahead of polling on June 24, 2026.

Meanwhile, Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama urged all stakeholders to adhere to electoral laws during the by-election period, emphasizing the importance of ensuring Kalangala District is represented in the 12th Parliament.