"I Withdrew To See If They Would Beg For Me" Derrick Nyeko Allegedly on His Dramatic Return to MP Race

Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko has left many shocked after suddenly returning to the 2026 race, weeks after he had publicly declared he was stepping away from elective politics. His comeback has thrown the constituency and the National Unity Platform (NUP) into fresh political drama.

Nyeko, who was elected in 2021 on the NUP ticket, quietly appeared before the party’s Election Management Committee this week for vetting. His unexpected presence took fellow aspirants by surprise, as many had already been preparing to contest in his absence.

When journalists pressed him about his decision, Nyeko remained tight-lipped and only said, “I am here to be vetted.” But away from the cameras, Nyeko allegedly remarked, “I wanted to see if they will beg for me,” hinting at deeper reasons behind his withdrawal and return.

Sources close to NUP say it was party president Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who played a key role in convincing Nyeko to change his mind. Bobi Wine reportedly pleaded with him not to step aside, emphasizing his strong grassroots base and influence in Makindye East.

Nyeko himself is said to have admitted that Bobi Wine’s personal plea was too powerful to ignore. Observers say this shows just how much sway the NUP leader still has over individual party members and the direction of internal races.

Only a few weeks ago, Nyeko had stunned his supporters with a social media post announcing he would not run again in 2026. He explained then that his decision followed “deep reflection” and described his first term as one of service, growth, and loyalty to the people who elected him.

His sudden exit created an opening that attracted several new aspirants, including former NBS journalist Robert Sekidde, popularly known as Tuff B, as well as James Kayondo, Calvin Bakulumpagi, and Patience Ayesigye. All had already started mobilizing grassroots support in anticipation of a competitive contest.

Now Nyeko’s comeback has reshaped the entire race. His incumbency, visibility, and the added endorsement of Bobi Wine tilt the balance in his favor, leaving other aspirants to rethink their strategies.

Political watchers argue that Nyeko’s U-turn reflects both his own ambition and the internal pressures within NUP. Some interpret his alleged words — “I wanted to see if they will beg for me” — as a sign of confidence, even pride, in his value to the party.

With the 2026 general elections approaching fast, all eyes are on Makindye East. The question remains: will Derrick Nyeko’s dramatic comeback secure him another term in Parliament, or will the backlash from his earlier withdrawal haunt his campaign? What is certain is that Makindye East has now become one of the most watched battlegrounds in Kampala politics.