Bobi Wine Pleaded For Me!! Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko Stages Dramatic Comeback – Attends Vetting

In a move that has taken many by surprise, Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko has returned to the political stage—just weeks after announcing he would not run in the 2026 general elections.

Elected in 2021 under the National Unity Platform (NUP), Nyeko reversed his earlier stance this week by appearing before the party’s Election Management Committee for vetting. The unexpected appearance signaled a major twist in the political narrative surrounding the Makindye East constituency and immediately reignited interest in the hotly contested seat.

Briefly addressing the media after the vetting session, Nyeko kept things close to the chest, offering little beyond a carefully worded remark: “I am here to be vetted.”

But behind the scenes, sources close to both Nyeko and the party revealed that his change of heart wasn’t entirely self-driven. According to Nyeko, the game-changer was none other than National Unity Platform president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu—popularly known as Bobi Wine.

Nyeko is said to have shared that it was Bobi Wine’s personal outreach and encouragement that convinced him to return to the race. Recognizing Nyeko’s grassroots strength and solid record, Bobi Wine reportedly urged the MP to reconsider, a request Nyeko admitted he could not turn down.

Earlier this month, Nyeko had shocked both his supporters and political watchers when he took to social media to announce he wouldn’t seek re-election.

He described his decision as one made after “deep reflection,” noting that his first term had been marked by personal growth and steadfast dedication to serving the people.

“I have served with honour, respect, and a deep commitment never to betray the trust of those who gave me their vote,” Nyeko said in the statement, thanking constituents for their continued support and trust.

Nyeko’s exit had quickly opened the political floodgates, with a number of hopefuls stepping forward to vie for the NUP ticket. Among the first to express interest were former NBS journalist Robert Sekidde, also known as Tuff B, along with James Kayondo, Calvin Bakulumpagi, and Patience Ayesigye.

Now, with Nyeko officially back in the race, the dynamics within the party’s internal competition have shifted dramatically. The ongoing vetting process will determine whether his late entry shakes up the momentum of other contenders who had already kicked off grassroots mobilization in anticipation of an open race.

Though Nyeko may have initially stepped away from the political frontlines, it’s evident that Bobi Wine’s voice—as both a party leader and a symbol of unity—still carries immense influence within NUP circles. Nyeko’s decision to heed that call speaks volumes about what’s at stake in Makindye East.

As the countdown to the 2026 elections begins, attention will now turn to how the party manages its internal contest—and whether Nyeko can capitalize on his incumbency and Bobi Wine’s appeal to retain his stronghold on the constituency.