Electoral Commission Unveils Roadmap for Kalangala Woman MP By-Election

The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Byabakama Mugenyi Simon, has assured stakeholders of the Commission’s commitment to delivering a peaceful, free, fair, and credible by-election for the District Woman Member of Parliament seat in Kalangala District.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ consultative meeting held on Friday 8th May 2026, Justice Byabakama outlined the electoral roadmap and called upon political leaders, security agencies, religious leaders, civil society organisations, the media, aspiring candidates, and voters to actively support the electoral process.

The Kalangala District Woman MP seat fell vacant following the death of former Woman MP Nakimuli Hellen on 19th April 2026. Justice Byabakama extended condolences to the family, residents of Kalangala, and friends of the late legislator, describing her death as a great loss to the district and the country.

“The Constitution requires that a by-election be conducted within sixty days from the date the Clerk to Parliament notifies the Commission of a vacancy,” Justice Byabakama said, noting that the Electoral Commission was officially notified on 27th April 2026, with the statutory deadline expiring on 26th June 2026.

He revealed that the Commission has already approved the electoral programme and commenced voter education and publicity activities ahead of the polls.

Voter Register Update Begins May 11

Justice Byabakama announced that the update of the National Voters’ Register in Kalangala District will run from Monday 11th May to Wednesday 13th May 2026 across all 17 parishes in the district.

The exercise, which will operate daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm, will allow eligible Ugandans aged 18 years and above to register as voters or transfer their voting locations within Kalangala District.

The Electoral Commission also designated Wednesday 13th May as the final day for voter registration and transfers within the district.

The EC Chairperson warned against the increasing tendency of non-residents attempting to register in areas where they do not reside, stressing the critical role of LC1 Chairpersons in verifying genuine residents and natives.

“To avert abuse of the transfer process, any voter seeking transfer to a polling station in this district must present a letter from the LC1 Chairperson confirming residence or originality before inclusion onto the Voters’ Register,” he stated.

Justice Byabakama explained that LC1 leaders will therefore be required to issue verification letters for persons seeking registration or transfer.

Display of Voters’ Register and Election Timetable

The Commission announced that the display of the Voters’ Register at all 115 polling stations in Kalangala District will take place from 20th May to 29th May 2026 to allow voters verify their details.

Lists of persons recommended for deletion from the register will subsequently be displayed at parish and ward headquarters between 29th May and 4th June 2026, giving affected persons an opportunity to appeal before Parish Tribunals.

Justice Byabakama further revealed that Voter Location Slips will be issued from 15th June to 24th June 2026 to help voters identify their polling stations with ease.

Polling day for the Kalangala District Woman MP by-election has been scheduled for Wednesday 24th June 2026.

The nomination of candidates will take place on 10th and 11th June 2026 at the office of the District Election Administrator and Returning Officer in Kalangala.

Campaigns will officially run from 12th June to 22nd June 2026.

Warning Against Violent Campaigns

Justice Byabakama cautioned candidates and political actors against acts that could disrupt public order during campaigns. He specifically discouraged candidates from organising supporters into processions on public roads before and after rallies.

“Campaign gatherings must stop at the designated campaign venue and should not be extended onto public roads,” he said, urging the Uganda Police Force to strictly enforce the guideline.

He also appealed to political parties, independent candidates, and supporters to uphold transparency, fairness, and peaceful participation throughout the electoral process. 

“Just like in any competitive race, participate well knowing that there will only be one winner for this elective position, voted by the majority of the people,” he said.

Electoral Commission Introduces Transparency Measures

To strengthen transparency and accountability, the Electoral Commission unveiled several measures that will be implemented during the by-election.

These include inviting candidates and their representatives to witness the packing and dispatch of electoral materials, close coordination with the Uganda Police Force, intensified voter mobilisation through parish and sub-county supervisors, and continuous voter education through radio, television, print, outdoor, and social media platforms.

The Commission will also establish a District Liaison Committee to resolve electoral disputes quickly and conduct intensive supervision and monitoring of all electoral activities.

Justice Byabakama further announced that each candidate will only be allowed a maximum of two vehicles at nomination venues, with each vehicle carrying not more than ten people and bearing police stickers.

Candidates’ agents will also undergo training on 19th and 20th June 2026 to equip them with skills to effectively observe polling day activities.

Mandatory Use of Biometric Verification

The Electoral Commission Chairperson confirmed that the Biometric Voter Verification Kit (BVVK) will be mandatory at all polling stations to verify voters before voting.

Additionally, serialised Declaration of Results forms will be used and signed by agents at polling stations to authenticate election results.

A complaints desk will also be established on polling day to address emerging issues promptly.

Justice Byabakama encouraged political parties, candidates, and observer groups to apply for accreditation at least two weeks before polling day, noting that the Commission will accredit up to five observers per ward or parish for each participating candidate or political party.

He cautioned accredited observers to remain neutral and avoid interfering with electoral processes.

Government Commits Funds for LC Elections

In his remarks, Justice Byabakama also disclosed that government has committed funding for the long-awaited Administrative Units elections covering LC1 and LC2 structures, as well as Women Councils and Committees from village to national level.

He said the Electoral Commission will issue the official roadmap and guidelines for those elections once the required funds are released.

Commitment to Free and Fair Elections

Justice Byabakama concluded by reaffirming the Electoral Commission’s commitment to conducting credible elections and called for cooperation among all stakeholders.

“We are all stakeholders in this exercise, and let us work together to deliver a peaceful, free, and fair by-election to the mutual satisfaction of all stakeholders,” he said.

He advised stakeholders seeking clarification on any electoral matter to contact the Kalangala District Returning Officer, Mr. Agaba Ronald, who will continue updating the public on electoral developments.