By Lawrence Kooko
The Electoral Commission has outlined the process to fill the Kalangala District Woman MP seat following the death of Hon. Hellen Nakimuli.
Nakimuli died in Kampala after complications from a surgical procedure.
EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama extended condolences to her family and the people of Kalangala, describing her death as a loss to the country.
Nakimuli, a member of the National Unity Platform, served in the 11th Parliament and had been re-elected in the January 2026 general elections for the 12th Parliament. She was widely known as “Mama Kalangala” for her work in the Ssese Islands, focusing on health, education, women empowerment and youth livelihoods. Her last appearance in Parliament was on April 15, 2026.
Justice Byabakama said the Constitution requires the Clerk to Parliament to notify the Electoral Commission within 10 days once a parliamentary seat falls vacant.
He said the Commission must then organise a by-election within 60 days.
However, he noted that the situation in Kalangala is different, since Nakimuli was both the sitting MP and MP-elect for the next Parliament, which is due to be sworn in on May 13.
“We cannot hold a by-election to fill the vacancy in the remaining days to the 12th of May. That will not take place,” he said.
Kalangala will therefore enter the new parliamentary term without a Woman MP until a by-election is held.
The Commission is still awaiting formal notification from the Clerk to Parliament before starting the process.
Once notified, the EC will issue a roadmap covering nominations, campaigns and polling.
Byabakama said the Commission will follow the law to ensure the seat is filled.
He cited a similar case in Kikuube District, where a district chairperson died after re-election, and a by-election was organised after formal notification.
