NUP Opens Vetting for Kalangala Woman MP By-Election

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has scheduled May 14, 2026, for aspiring candidates to officially express interest in the Kalangala Woman MP by-election following the death of MP-elect Hellen Nakimuli. 

Applicants are required to submit their documents physically at the party headquarters in Makerere Kavule, Kampala, as part of a rigorous selection process aimed at identifying a strong flagbearer.

The requirements for applicants include a valid NUP membership card (party ticket), Curriculum Vitae (CV), certified copies of academic documents, and a National Identity Card.

Johnmary Ssebwufu, a member of the elections management committee, says the vetting will be conducted in a fair and in the interest of the people of Kalangala.

The vetting of successful applicants is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026. Shortlisted candidates will then undergo a technical assessment and a public debate before the party’s leadership announces the final flagbearer. 

Notably, the family of the late MP has already proposed her sister, Irene Nampala, to take part in the race, though she will be expected to undergo the same internal party processes.

The seat fell vacant following the tragic passing of Hellen Nakimuli, a prominent NUP legislator and MP-elect for the 12th Parliament. Nakimuli, affectionately known as “Mama Kalangala,” died on April 19, 2026, at Alexandros Medical Center in Kampala following complications from a surgical procedure. Having recently won re-election in the January 2026 general election, she died, necessitating a by-election for the upcoming term.

According to EC, update of the Voters’ Register ends tomorrow, May 12, and the display kicks off on May 20 –29, 2026. Nomination of Candidates will be conducted between June 4 and June 5, 2026, and the campaign will run from June 8- 22 before the polls on June 24, 2026.

When asked about the security incidents that have marred by-elections in Uganda, the party’s Electoral Commission Chairperson, Harriet Chemutai, said they are prepared to protect their votes.

The EC Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, urged all stakeholders to observe the law during this period, noting that because Nakimuli was an MP-elect, the by-election is crucial for ensuring Kalangala is represented in the 12th Parliament starting this June.