The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, Aidah Nabayiga, has been declared the winner of the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament by-election.
The district returning officer, Ronald Agaba, announced the results shortly before 3:00 am on Thursday, confirming that Nabayiga secured 12,642 votes.
Her closest rival, Irene Nampala of the National Unity Platform (NUP), received 7,474 votes.
According to the Electoral Commission, independent candidate Sarah Babirye polled 244 votes, while Hellen Flavia Nagawa garnered 217 votes. Agnes Nassuna received 34 votes.
The election was conducted across 115 polling stations in Kalangala District, with 21,038 valid votes cast. Officials reported that 427 ballots were rejected, while 67 ballot papers were spoilt.
Electoral Commission chairperson Simon Byabakama praised candidates, voters and supporters for maintaining peace during the electoral process.
“He said the commission did not register any major incidents during the election and praised all stakeholders for demonstrating restraint before, during and after the vote.”
Nabayiga’s victory marks her return to Parliament after losing the Kalangala Woman MP seat in the 2021 general election. She had previously served as the district’s representative for one term.
The by-election was organised following the death of former Woman MP Helen Nakimuli, who won the seat in 2021 but died before taking the oath of office.
Speaking after the declaration of results, Nabayiga said she would focus on promoting unity among residents, strengthening NRM structures in the district and reviving stalled public service projects.
However, the outcome was challenged by Nampala and her campaign team, who raised concerns about the vote tallying process.
Nampala alleged that some of her polling agents were removed from polling stations by security personnel before declaration forms were completed and later submitted to the district tally centre.
She also claimed that in parts of Kyamuswa County, the number of ballots counted exceeded the number of registered voters, an issue she said suggested possible electoral malpractice.
Nampala said her concerns were not adequately addressed by election officials and noted that her team had collected evidence before deciding on its next course of action.
