By Sadique Bamwita
KAMPALA
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugyenyi, has spoken out on the upcoming by-election for Kalangala woman Legislator following the death of Hon. Hellen Nakimuli-the Incumbent Legislator who was also re-elected in the just concluded parliamentary elections.
Hon. Nakimuli passed on April 19, 2026 after unsuccessful surgery for fibroids at Alexandria Medical Centre, a private health center in Kampala which specializes in women’s healthcare.
In an interview with the press on April 20, 2026, Justice Simon Byabakama Mugyenyi told the media that the Commission condoles with the bereaved family of the fallen legislator revealing that at the moment, the commission is waiting for formal communication from the Clerk to Parliament before issuing a roadmap for a by-election for Kalangala District woman Legislator.
Justice Byabakama categorically made it clear that Electoral Commission can only act to conduct a bye-election after receiving a formal notification from the Clerk to Parliament as provided by law.
Justice Byabakama observed that under the Constitution, any parliamentary vacancy arising from death, resignation, or court action must first be formally communicated to the Commission within 10 days by the Clerk to Parliament.
“As the Commission, we are waiting for official communication from the Clerk to Parliament. Once that is received, we shall be able to outline the roadmap for the by-election in accordance with the law,” Justice Byabakama explained.
He added that the Commission is mandated to organize a by-election within 60 days after receiving official notification.
Justice Byabakama continued that Nakimuli’s case presents a unique legal situation, as she was serving her current term, which ends on May 12, while also having been re- elected for the next parliamentary term.
“This means that when the new Parliament is constituted, Kalangala District will lack a Woman MP until a by-election is conducted,” Justice Byabakama expressed concern.
He further clarified that it is not feasible to organize a by-election before the expiry of the current term due to the limited timeframe.
In conclusion, he described the development as unfortunate, noting that the Commission remains committed to fulfilling its constitutional obligation to ensure representation once the required procedures are completed.
In related news, Hon. Nakimuri’s body was on April 20,2026, transported on a ferry at Nakiwogo landing site in Entebbe to Kalangala district, in company of fellow legislators who included; Betty Naluyima( Wakiso district woman Legislator), Theodore Sekikubo (Outgoing Lwemiyaga MP) and Hon. Moses Kabuusu (Kyamusya County legislator).
Today Wednesday April 21, 2026, Nakimuri’s body will be taken to the district council hall for local government leaders and residents to pay their last respect, and for public viewing. Thereafter, a special council session will be held to remember her life. However, later today her body will be returned to her residence in Namungona zone, Lubaga Division for a night vigil.
