Nambeshe named acting NUP president as Zedriga’s tenure ends

The president of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, has appointed John Baptist Nambeshe as the acting president of the party.

Nambeshe, who serves as the party’s deputy president for the Eastern region, takes over from Dr Lina Zedriga Waru, who has held the position in an acting capacity for the past four months.

Announcing the leadership change, Bobi Wine praised Zedriga for her stewardship during a challenging period for the party.

“For four months, Dr Lina Zedriga Waru has been acting president of our party. During this period, she has steered the party well and kept the revolution alive. We’re all very grateful for her dedication and service,” he said.

“As her tenure comes to an end, I am pleased to announce that John Baptist Nambeshe will be taking over as acting president of the National Unity Platform,” he added.

The changes come in the wake of Bobi Wine’s decision to temporarily leave the country following the 2026 presidential elections, in which he lost to incumbent President Yoweri Museveni.

In March, Bobi Wine announced his departure after spending weeks in hiding following a military raid on his home in Magere in January.

“Over the past two months, the government has looked for me everywhere, raided the homes of my colleagues and fellow leaders, mounted roadblocks and spot checks, arrested and dismissed police officers assigned to my campaign, raided my village home and kept my residence under siege, but they couldn’t find me,” he said.

He described his exit as temporary, saying it was intended to enable him engage international allies.

“Today, I am announcing my brief exit from the country to handle important work. Over the next few weeks, I will engage with our friends and allies all over the world before returning to Uganda to continue the push for freedom and democracy,” he said.

Nambeshe now assumes leadership of the party at a time when NUP is seeking to reorganise following the elections and maintain momentum among its supporters.

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