Makindye East Member of Parliament Derrick Nyeko has officially re-entered the race for his parliamentary seat under the National Unity Platform (NUP), just weeks after announcing his withdrawal from the 2026 elections.
Nyeko’s unexpected return took place on Tuesday when he appeared before the NUP vetting committee, confirming his intention to seek the party’s nomination for the Makindye East constituency seat.
“I have decided to come back and continue serving my constituents. I will follow the party’s nomination process and respect the outcome,” Nyeko told journalists shortly after completing the vetting exercise at the NUP headquarters in Kamwokya.
Nyeko’s return marks a dramatic reversal from his earlier position. On September 2, the first-term legislator had declared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account that he would not seek re-election in the 2026 general polls. In the post, he expressed gratitude to his constituents, saying his decision followed “deep reflection.”
“It is with a heart full of joy that I have served you with honour, respect, and a deep commitment never to betray the trust of your vote,” Nyeko wrote.
At the time, his announcement was interpreted by political observers as a signal of possible internal challenges within the NUP, particularly around the party’s flag bearer selection process. Reports suggested that Nyeko’s withdrawal may have stemmed from dissatisfaction with how nominations were being handled, especially after some of his close political allies failed to receive NUP endorsements.
However, multiple sources within the party now say that Nyeko came under intense pressure from grassroots supporters in Makindye East, who urged him to reconsider his decision. The supporters argued that his leadership remained crucial to consolidating the party’s stronghold in the constituency.
Nyeko’s comeback reshapes what is expected to be a heated NUP primary in Makindye East. Already, several high-profile aspirants have thrown their hats into the ring. Among them is Ali Kasirye Mulyanyama, the current Mayor of Makindye Division, who has been actively mobilizing across the constituency. Another notable contender is Robert Ssekidde, popularly known as Tuff B, a veteran media personality making his debut in elective politics.
With Nyeko back in the race, the competition for the NUP ticket intensifies, setting the stage for a high-stakes internal battle in one of Kampala’s most politically active constituencies.
NUP is currently conducting internal vetting across the country ahead of the 2026 general elections. The party, led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), has seen a surge in interest from aspirants, making the nomination process highly competitive.
Nyeko’s decision to rejoin the race signals confidence in the internal processes and a renewed commitment to party unity, despite earlier misgivings.
“This choice does not diminish the journey we have walked together, nor the victories we have achieved,” Nyeko had said in his initial withdrawal statement.
“It is my hope that the spirit of unity, resilience, and service to our people will remain stronger than ever.”
With the vetting process still ongoing, NUP is expected to announce its flag bearers in the coming weeks. The outcome in Makindye East will be closely watched, not only for its electoral weight but also as a barometer of how the party is managing its internal democratic processes ahead of a critical election year.
