Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko has surprised many after announcing that he will not run for re-election in the 2026 general elections. His decision came just days before the National Unity Platform (NUP) was set to release its list of parliamentary flag bearers. Interestingly, Nyeko did not mention NUP in his retirement message, the very party that helped him win his seat in 2021.
Nyeko, who had initially picked nomination forms under NUP, was expected to fight for a second term. However, sources from the party headquarters in Kavule revealed that the NUP flag for Makindye East had been given to Shamim Malende, a lawyer and fellow opposition politician. This move is believed to have influenced Nyeko’s decision to step aside.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Nyeko thanked the people of Makindye East for trusting him and said serving them had been an honor. He explained that after “deep reflection,” he decided not to contest again. His silence on NUP’s role has been seen by many as a quiet protest against the party’s handling of its internal primaries and candidate selection.
Nyeko became widely known in 2020 after winning the Makindye East seat under NUP. He earned a reputation for his passionate speeches on youth empowerment, social justice, and governance reforms. Before joining politics, he was a youth leader and community activist, which helped him gain strong support from ordinary citizens.
During his time in Parliament, Nyeko served on several committees and was active in debates about urban development and local governance. Many expected him to contest again, which makes his sudden withdrawal surprising to supporters and observers alike.
After his announcement, reactions on Facebook poured in. Some accused NUP of forcing him out, while others praised his maturity. Comments ranged from, “Finally the K.Y party has thrown you out,” to, “This is a decision made from strength and wisdom, not weakness.”
With the NUP flag now in the hands of Shamim Malende, the political landscape in Makindye East is set to change. Whether Nyeko’s withdrawal was fully voluntary or influenced by internal party politics remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the upcoming 2026 elections in Makindye East will be very different without Derrick Nyeko in the race.
