NRM intensifies campaign for Idah Nabayiga ahead of Kalangala woman MP by-election

15 June 2026, 11:28 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Bujumba Sub-county have intensified grassroots mobilization efforts on Bunyama Island as they rally support for the party’s flag bearer, Idah Nabayiga, ahead of the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election scheduled for June 24, 2026.

Speaking to party leaders and residents during a mobilization drive yesterday, the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Buganda Region and Minister of State for Regional Cooperation, Hon. Haruna Kasolo, vowed to deliver a landslide victory for the party candidate.

The mobilization exercise, led by the Bujumba Sub-county NRM Chairperson, John Mike Yiga, saw party leaders and local structures traverse Kagoonya, Kivunza, Bunyama and Kisujju villages, engaging residents and canvassing support for the ruling party candidate.

Addressing residents during the campaign trail, Yiga expressed confidence that the party would emerge victorious in the forthcoming by-election, citing what he described as strong support for the NRM in the area.

“Our district experienced a visible gap in development and direct government lobbying when the electorate chose the opposition. We are determined to work tirelessly to ensure that Hon. Idah Nabayiga returns to Parliament because she has a proven record of lobbying for services and development projects that benefit the people of Kalangala,” Yiga said.

He added that Nabayiga’s previous tenure as Woman Member of Parliament demonstrated her ability to advocate for infrastructure development and community needs, making her the most suitable candidate to represent the district.

The mobilization team is expected to continue its door-to-door campaign across the remaining parishes and villages. Party officials say the sustained grassroots engagement is aimed at consolidating support across island communities and securing a decisive victory for the NRM candidate.

The parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of the former Woman MP, Hellen Nakimuli of the National Unity Platform (NUP), in April this year.

The Electoral Commission has cleared five candidates to contest in the by-election. They include NRM’s Idah Nabayiga, NUP’s Irene Nampala, and independent candidates Sharifa Babirye, Helen Flavia Nagawa, and Agnes Nasuuna.

Campaigns are expected to end on June 22, 2026, ahead of polling day on June 24.