National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has sparked fresh political controversy after alleging that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) may have had an interest in the death of former Kalangala Woman MP Hellen Nakimuli.
The opposition leader made the explosive remarks following the June 24 Kalangala Woman MP by-election, which was won by NRM candidate Idah Nabayiga.
The seat fell vacant after the death of Hellen Nakimuli in April 2026, prompting a closely watched contest between NRM and NUP. NUP fronted Nakimuli’s sister, Irene Nampala, but ultimately lost the race as the ruling party reclaimed the seat.
Speaking after the election, Bobi Wine questioned the timing and circumstances surrounding Nakimuli’s death, suggesting that her passing may have paved the way for NRM to regain political control of Kalangala District.
“NRM killed Hon. Hellen Nakimuli to capture Kalangala District,” Bobi Wine alleged, although he did not provide evidence to support the claim.
The NUP leader argued that the political developments that followed Nakimuli’s death deserved closer scrutiny and raised concerns about the safety of opposition leaders who win key political positions.
Bobi Wine also referenced the death of former Kayunga District LCV Chairperson Ffeffeka Sserubogo, whose body was found hanging after he had won the district chairmanship on a NUP ticket in 2021.
While authorities ruled Sserubogo’s death a suicide, some family members and supporters disputed that conclusion and raised concerns about possible foul play.
By drawing parallels between the two incidents, Bobi Wine suggested that opposition figures who achieve major political victories often face suspicious circumstances.
Hellen Nakimuli, popularly known as “Mama Kalangala,” was elected Woman MP for Kalangala District in 2021 on the NUP ticket and became known for championing healthcare, education, women’s empowerment and improved transport services across the Ssese Islands.
Before joining Parliament, she served as a Community Development Officer and built a reputation as a grassroots leader focused on community service.
Her death at the age of 40 shocked supporters and political leaders across the country. Reports indicated that she developed complications following an elective surgical procedure in Kampala before passing away.
The government and health authorities subsequently launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death and the medical treatment she received.
Nakimuli was laid to rest on April 23, 2026, after official tribute ceremonies held in Parliament, Kalangala and at NUP headquarters.
With NRM now back in control of the Woman MP seat, Bobi Wine’s latest remarks are expected to fuel fresh political debate and intensify calls for transparency regarding the circumstances surrounding Nakimuli’s death.
However, as of now, no official investigation has linked any political actor or organization to her passing, and authorities have not announced findings suggesting foul play.
Looking at what the regime did in Kalangala yesterday, Would anyone be wrong to assume that they killed Hon Nakimuli to forcefully take over that District, the same way they killed Ffeffeka to take over Kayunga?
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) June 25, 2026
