Full Results: NRM’s Idah Nabayiga Wins Kalangala Woman MP By-Election

KALANGALA, Uganda — National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Idah Nabayiga has been declared the winner of the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election, securing a commanding lead over her closest rival from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP).

According to the official declaration form signed by Returning Officer Ronald Agaba at 1:53 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Kalangala District Council Hall, Nabayiga garnered 12,642 votes, defeating NUP candidate Irene Nampala, who polled 7,474 votes.

The by-election attracted a total of five candidates. Independent candidate Sharifah Babirye received 244 votes, while fellow independent Hellen Flavia Nagawa secured 217 votes. Another independent candidate, Agnes Nasuuna, trailed with 34 votes.

Official results show that 20,611 valid votes were cast for candidates. The Electoral Commission also recorded 427 rejected ballots, bringing the total number of ballot papers counted to 21,038. A further 67 ballot papers were declared spoiled.

Under Uganda’s parliamentary electoral laws, the candidate with the highest number of valid votes is declared elected. Agaba accordingly declared Nabayiga the winner of the contest.

Nabayiga will now replace former Kalangala District Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli, a member of the National Unity Platform, whose death in April 2026 created the vacancy that necessitated the by-election.

Nakimuli’s passing triggered a closely watched contest between the ruling NRM and the opposition NUP, both of which viewed the seat as politically significant ahead of the 2026–2031 parliamentary term.

The by-election was held on Wednesday across the island district of Kalangala and drew significant national attention, with both the ruling NRM and opposition NUP investing heavily in campaigns across the Ssese Islands.

President Yoweri Museveni personally campaigned for Nabayiga in the run-up to the vote, urging residents to support the ruling party’s candidate to accelerate government development programmes in the district.

During his campaign appearances, Museveni highlighted challenges facing the island communities, including transport, electricity, health services, education and fisheries development.

NUP, meanwhile, sought to capitalize on growing support among younger voters and positioned Nampala as an alternative voice for the district. The opposition party mounted an intensive campaign and expressed confidence ahead of polling day.

The announcement of the results sparked debate, with supporters of the winning candidate celebrating the outcome while some opposition supporters questioned aspects of the electoral process.

Allegations ranging from voter intimidation to ballot irregularities circulated online, although no official findings had been released by electoral authorities by Thursday morning.

Nabayiga’s victory strengthens the NRM’s political foothold in the strategically important island district and adds another seat to the ruling party’s parliamentary ranks.

Attention is now expected to shift to the newly elected legislator’s agenda for Kalangala, where residents have long cited transport connectivity, access to healthcare, education services and economic opportunities as some of the district’s most pressing concerns.

With the election concluded, Nabayiga is set to assume office as Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament after the Electoral Commission completes the formal post-election procedures.

Official Results

Idah Nabayiga (NRM) — 12,642 votes

Irene Nampala (NUP) — 7,474 votes

Sharifah Babirye (Independent) — 244 votes

Hellen Flavia Nagawa (Independent) — 217 votes

Agnes Nasuuna (Independent) — 34 votes

Election Summary

Total valid votes: 20,611

Rejected ballots: 427

Total ballot papers counted: 21,038

Spoilt ballot papers: 67

It should be remembered that in a shocking incident, Helen Nakimuli drove herself to hospital for a minor surgery but died while undergoing the operation. (See Details Here and There).

You can read about Helen Nakimuli last words in Parliament and outside Here and There.