In a surprising twist of events, incumbent Makindye East Member of Parliament Hon Nyeko Derrick has today quit the race to attain the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket flag bearer for the seat in the 2026 elections.
Nyeko on Tuesday took to his X account to announce his withdraw from the heated race which has left many party members and residents alike stunned with only days left for NUP to announce it’s MP flag bearers.
“I wish to extend my deepest gratitude to all who have believed in me throughout the years I have been entrusted with leadership. 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” he said.
Nyeko added, “I know this decision may not be easy for my team and supporters to receive, especially after our strong belief that we would once again win the Makindye East MP seat. However, after deep reflection, I have made the difficult decision not to offer myself for election in the coming polls” he said.
Nyeko further noted that his choice will not cut short the journey and victories he has achieved with his team.
Nyeko noted that it was his hope that the spirit of unity, resilience, and service to the people will remain stronger than ever.
However sources have revealed that Nyeko’s style of leadership and recent outburst at the NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya after his friends lost seats in the Makindye local council elections has led to the party leadership dropping him as the party’s flag bearer in the constituency.
The source further revealed that Nyeko was briefed about being dropped as NUP’s flag bearer for the position last Thursday and was advised to prepare for the announcement.
“Rather than being embarrassed, he has decided to issue that statement opting out of the race without even recognizing the party” the source noted.
However some critics have raised the voting history of the area since no legislator has served more than one term in the before being kicked out by the voters as another factor that could have played in Nyeko’s quitting of the race.
We however await to see if Nyeko will support the candidate that will be selected for the position by the National Unity Platform.
