Makindye East Member of Parliament, Derrick Nyeko, has announced he will not seek re-election in the 2026 general elections, bringing his parliamentary career to an end after just one term.
Nyeko, who entered Parliament in 2021 on the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket, revealed his decision in a statement shared on his social media platforms, describing it as the outcome of “deep reflection.”
He thanked his constituents for their support and trust, saying he had served with “honour, respect, and a deep commitment never to betray the trust” of their vote. Acknowledging that the news might disappoint supporters who expected him to seek another term, Nyeko reassured them that their shared victories would remain intact.
“This choice does not diminish the journey we have walked together, nor the victories we have achieved,” he wrote, urging his supporters to remain united and resilient. He also emphasised that he was leaving politics with a clean record, declaring himself “a man of no corruption, no problems.”
Nyeko’s decision comes at a time when NUP is grappling with internal tension over the issuance of party tickets ahead of the 2026 polls. Dozens of aspirants are awaiting clearance from the party’s Elections Management Committee, with many expressing concern about the fairness of the process.
It remains unclear whether Nyeko’s withdrawal was motivated by personal reasons or anticipation of being denied the party ticket.
Meanwhile, several contenders have already lined up to replace him in Makindye East. Among them are former NBS journalist Robert Sekidde, popularly known as Tuff B, and James Kayondo, both of whom are seeking the NUP flag.