Kalangala candidates warned over rough Lake Victoria waters as campaigns end

Candidates and their supporters traversing Kalangala District’s islands ahead of the Woman MP by-election have been asked to exercise extreme caution on Lake Victoria due to strong winds and rough waters.

Water transport is usually risky between March and August as a result of seasonal winds and turbulent waves.

According to Kajubi Twahika, the Kalangala assistant resident district commissioner, political actors canvassing for votes must prioritise safety by wearing life jackets, avoiding risky water processions and postponing journeys whenever weather turns dangerous.

“The prevailing weather conditions have made water transport increasingly risky, particularly for campaign teams moving between islands. Let them always wear life jackets and avoid sailing whenever the waves become too strong,” Mr Twahika said during an interview on Sunday.

He cautioned against the growing practice of conducting campaign processions on boats, saying such activities could easily lead to fatal accidents.

“We ask those who carry out processions on the lake while in boats to stop doing so because a boat can easily lose balance. This can result in a serious or fatal water accident,” he added.

The warning comes as Kalangala prepares for a Woman MP by-election scheduled for June 24 following the death of former district Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli. Five candidates are contesting the seat: NRM flag bearer Aidah Nabayiga, NUP’s Irene Nampala, and independents Hellen Flavia Nagawa, Babirye Sharifa Kaala and Susan Nasuuna.

Candidates were allocated a 10-day campaign period running from June 12 to June 22 to canvass votes across the district’s 64 inhabited islands.

Bujumba County MP Willy Lugoloobi said Kalangala experiences strong seasonal winds locally called “Kisaawa” which often make navigation dangerous.

He advised campaign teams to avoid unnecessary travel, especially those unfamiliar with water transport.

“You may think a boat is new because it has been freshly painted, yet the timber underneath is rotten. If necessary, people should avoid risking their lives by travelling under such conditions,” Mr Lugoloobi said.

The MP, who is serving as an agent for Ms Nabayiga, said his team adjusted strategy to minimise movement across the lake.

“Because of the strong winds, we have decentralised our mobilisation efforts. Leaders within sub-counties are spearheading support for our candidate to reduce unnecessary travel. Where movement is necessary, we wait until the lake becomes calmer before travelling,” he said.

According to Mr Yusuf Nsubuga from the meteorological department, the strong winds are caused by weather systems affecting the region.

“The strong winds on Lake Victoria are a result of air movements originating from the Indian Ocean and moving westwards towards the Atlantic Ocean. These weather systems can generate strong winds and rough waters, particularly on large water bodies such as Lake Victoria,” Mr Nsubuga said.

Kalangala, an island district prone to unpredictable weather at the convergence of multiple wind patterns, is particularly vulnerable during this period. Strong winds often trigger sudden turbulence and high waves capable of capsizing small wooden boats used to transport people and goods between islands.

Despite difficult weather, no campaign activities have been suspended. Independent candidate Babirye Sharifa Kaala recently experienced delays after her team waited for waves to calm before proceeding.

Rajab Semakula, the Kalangala District NUP chairperson, said their teams adopt night travel because the lake is generally calmer then.

“After a rally, for example in Bunyama, we did not rest. We collected our equipment and travelled to Mazinga Sub-county while the lake was still calm. We set off at 11pm and by 2am we had reached Nkose, where we spent the night,” Mr Semakula said.

He said the party takes several precautions before any journey.

“We ensure that everyone wears a life jacket. We also prefer using wooden boats because they are able to withstand waves better, and we always travel with experienced coxswains,” he said.

Mr Semakula added that teams sometimes move at very slow speeds to guarantee safety.

Top officials from NRM and NUP have pitched camp in the district ahead of Wednesday’s election. NUP leaders expressed fears the poll may not be free and fair, alleging bribery and intimidation.

“At this time, so much money has been distributed to voters. Many youths now have no other work except following where money is being given. Such acts deny voters their right to choose leaders freely,” Mr Semakula said.

Mr Richard Kiganda, NUP secretary general for Kalangala, also alleged plans to manipulate results.

“What we hear is that they are doing everything possible to rig the votes. But we want to tell them that we are also ready to protect our votes and ensure that the people’s choices are not wasted,” Mr Kiganda said.

Addressing a rally in Kalangala Town Council on Friday, Ms Rose Namayanja Nsereko, deputy secretary general of the ruling party, dismissed the allegations, saying the opposition is gripped with fear of losing.

Security has been heightened as activities enter the final stage. NUP leaders over the weekend claimed they were denied permission to hold their final rally at Kaala Grounds in Bujumba County.

“We had prepared to hold our final rally at Kaala Grounds, but we have been informed that we should not have it there on the last day,” Mr Kiganda said.

Kaala Grounds in Buligo Village is near Kibanga Primary School playground, where President Museveni is expected to address the NRM’s final campaign rally today, Monday.

However, Kalangala Deputy Resident District Commissioner Mr Henry Sebunya defended security arrangements, saying authorities would not allow activities that could compromise public order.

“We shall not allow any person who is preparing to cause insecurity,” Mr Sebunya said.

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