The aftermath of the Kalangala Woman MP by-election has sparked sharp political reactions, with National Unity Platform (NUP) Secretary General David Rubongoya strongly condemning the conduct of the poll following his party’s defeat.
In a statement shared online, Rubongoya compared the Kalangala contest to previous controversial by-elections, arguing that the situation had deteriorated further.
“I thought they couldn't sink further than what they did in Kayunga, Omoro and Kawempe by-elections, until Kalangala happened,” he said, expressing frustration over what he described as worsening electoral malpractice.
The Kalangala by-election, held on June 24, 2026, was marred by allegations of irregularities, logistical interference, and a tense political environment.
NUP and other opposition actors had earlier raised concerns during the campaign period, accusing authorities of restricting access to rally venues and disrupting planned activities.
The party’s final rally was notably cancelled after a dispute over venue access.
Rubongoya’s remarks come amid broader claims by opposition figures that the election process lacked transparency.
Reports of mismatched ballot box serial numbers in several polling stations further intensified concerns over the credibility of the exercise.
In some areas, discrepancies were identified in a significant number of ballot boxes, raising questions about the integrity of the voting process even before polling began.
On voting day, while the Electoral Commission described the exercise as largely peaceful, opposition leaders pointed to heavy security deployment and what they termed as voter intimidation.
Low voter turnout across the island district also emerged as a key feature of the election, with analysts linking it to both logistical challenges and declining public confidence in the electoral process.
Rubongoya did not mince his words, describing those behind the alleged irregularities as “a wicked group of people with no limits to evil.”
His statement underscores growing tensions between the ruling establishment and opposition parties over electoral management in Uganda.
The Kalangala outcome adds to a series of disputed by-elections, reinforcing concerns about electoral credibility and political fairness in the country’s evolving democratic landscape.