The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has picked Irene Nampala, the sister of former Kalangala District Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli, as its official candidate for the upcoming by-election in the island district.
The announcement was made on Thursday after the party completed an internal selection process that drew interest from several women seeking to replace the late legislator.
Harriet Chemutai, the chairperson of NUP’s Election Management Committee, said the party received applications from 14 aspirants, although only 13 completed the vetting and assessment process.
She explained that the contestants were subjected to interviews and field evaluations before the committee settled on the candidate considered most suitable to carry the party flag.
According to party electoral officials, the selection criteria combined two stages, with the vetting exercise contributing 40 percent of the final score while the ground survey accounted for the remaining 60 percent.
Results released by the committee showed Nampala emerging as the strongest contender with 68.2 percent, placing her well ahead of Jesica Nassiwa Tushabe, who scored 48.7 percent.
Mary Nakitende followed in third position with 45.7 percent.
Chemutai called on party supporters and the unsuccessful aspirants to unite behind Nampala as preparations for the by-election intensify.
Other aspirants who participated in the race included Brenda Nattembo, Betty Naluggwa, Sharifah Babirye, Babrah Nabasirye, Roy Nakigozi, Namuddu Mary Goretti, Beatrice Nanyomo, Aisha Nattayi, Maria Nakitende and Irene Nakanwagi.
The by-election was triggered by Nakimuli’s death in April after she reportedly underwent surgery in Kampala.
Her passing created a vacancy that has since sparked heightened political activity within both opposition and ruling party circles.
Inside NUP, the contest became highly competitive as several women moved to position themselves as successors to Nakimuli’s political influence in Kalangala.
The ruling National Resistance Movement has already endorsed former Kalangala Woman MP Idah Nabayiga as its flag bearer, while other political groups continue consultations over possible candidates.
Under the Electoral Commission roadmap, nomination of candidates is expected to take place on June 4 and June 5. Campaign activities will then run from June 8 to June 22 ahead of voting scheduled for June 24, 2026.
It should be remembered that Helen Nakimuli drove herself to the hospital for surgery but did not make back alive, as reported Here.
Nakimuli was known for speaking being fearless in speaking the truth. In one of her last speeches, she told religious to speak up even if it means dying. (See Details Here and There).
Watch Nakimuli’s last speech in parliament Here.
