Kampala, Uganda: Makindye East Member of Parliament, Hon. Derrick Nyeko, Tuesday, shocked supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) when he turned up for vetting at Kavule headquarters, reversing his earlier decision to stay away from the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Nyeko had announced last month that he would step aside and not seek re-election for Makindye East MP seat, citing personal reasons, but it was a shock to the vetting panel and fellow aspirants for the party flag when he showed up with a renewed bid to retain his seat in Parliament.
“I have decided to come back and continue serving my constituents. I will follow the party’s nomination process and respect the outcome,” Hon Nyeko told journalists after completing his vetting.
The legislator’s U-turn comes amid growing pressure from local NUP supporters, who reportedly urged him to contest again to consolidate the party’s hold in the constituency amid confusion from other candidates in the race, who include Makindye Division Mayor, Ali Kasirye Mulyanyama, and veteran media personality, Robert Ssekidde, aka Tuff B.
NUP sources say Nyeko’s decision was also influenced by internal consultations and grassroots feedback from party operatives and community leaders, who see him as a strong contender capable of defending the opposition’s mandate in Makindye East.
Nyeko joins a list of aspirants seeking the NUP flag, with the party set to finalize candidates ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. His return could reshape the dynamics of the race, especially in a constituency considered strategically significant for the young, vibrant political party.
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