KALANGALA – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, Hon. Idah Nabayiga, has pledged to improve the welfare of residents and ensure the effective implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) if elected as the Kalangala District Woman Member of Parliament.
As campaigns for the June 24 by-election enter their final days, Nabayiga intensified her mobilisation drive across the island district, traversing several areas including Kikwayu, Kibaale LC1, Senero, Mugoye, Ddajje, Kaazi Malanga and surrounding communities to canvass for support.
Addressing residents during the campaign stops, Nabayiga said her priority would be to champion programmes that directly improve household incomes and livelihoods, while ensuring that government interventions reach all eligible beneficiaries.
She particularly cited the implementation of the Parish Development Model, expressing concern that some residents working in the oil palm sector under Bidco had not adequately benefited from the poverty alleviation programme.
"When the money is brought, I will ensure that it reaches the people in the Bidco community so that they can also benefit from government programmes meant to improve household incomes," she said.
Nabayiga said her agenda is focused on improving the welfare of the people of Kalangala and addressing the unique challenges faced by island communities.
She noted that Kalangala's geographical setting requires a leader who understands the district's circumstances and can effectively advocate for its interests.
"We want someone who understands the lake clearly. We do not want anyone to come and disorganise or interfere with our efforts to develop the district," she said.
The NRM candidate highlighted several sectors that require urgent attention, including health services, access to clean and safe water, education, road infrastructure, improved ferry services for Kyamuswa and addressing challenges affecting fishing communities.
She pledged to continue lobbying government for more development programmes and services to benefit residents.
Nabayiga also called upon residents to remain united, saying unity would strengthen the district's voice in demanding services and development opportunities from government.
"I urge you to unite as a community and vote for the NRM because the responsibility is entrusted to you to choose who your representative will be," she said.
Throughout the campaign period, Nabayiga said she had received overwhelming support from residents and expressed confidence that the support would translate into victory on polling day.
She also thanked NRM party structure leaders across Kalangala for their commitment and support despite the limited campaign period and the vast geographical coverage of the island district.
Meanwhile, NRM Vice Chairperson for Party Structures, Ssalongo Alex Mukasa, called upon stakeholders in the oil palm industry, fishing communities and all categories of voters to support Nabayiga, saying her brief stint in Parliament had demonstrated her leadership ability and commitment to addressing the needs of the people.
The NRM candidate further called upon party supporters and well-wishers to attend the party's final rally at Kibanga Playground, where President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the NRM National Chairman, is expected to address residents and rally support for her candidature.