Bududa's Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe Appointed Acting President of National Unity Platform
The announcement follows the completion of a four-month tenure by Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru, who has been serving as Acting President while Bobi Wine has been away on party and other official engagements.
Kampala, Uganda – National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has appointed the party's Deputy President for Eastern Uganda, Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe(MP Manjiya County, Bududa District), as the Acting President of the National Unity Platform.
The announcement follows the completion of a four-month tenure by Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru, who has been serving as Acting President while Bobi Wine has been away on party and other official engagements.
In a statement issued to party members and supporters, Bobi Wine praised Dr. Zedriga for her leadership and commitment during her time in office.
"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 added that with her tenure coming to an end, Hon. Nambeshe would now assume the role of Acting President and called upon party leaders and supporters to rally behind him.
"As her tenure comes to an end, I am pleased to announce that Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe, Deputy President Eastern Region, will be taking over as Acting President of the National Unity Platform. I wish him well and request all leaders and comrades to accord him the necessary support."
A seasoned opposition leader
Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe is one of Uganda's most prominent opposition politicians and an influential figure within the National Unity Platform. He serves as the Member of Parliament for Manjiya County in Bududa District and has built a reputation as a vocal advocate for constitutionalism, democratic governance and accountability.
As NUP's Deputy President for Eastern Uganda, Nambeshe has played a central role in expanding the party's support base across the Bugisu sub-region and the wider eastern region. He has been instrumental in mobilising grassroots structures, coordinating party activities and strengthening the party's presence ahead of national and local elections.
Before joining the National Unity Platform, Nambeshe served as the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament's "People Power" pressure group and later became one of the founding senior leaders who transitioned into NUP following the formation of the party in 2020.
A critical responsibility
His appointment as Acting President places him at the helm of Uganda's largest opposition political party during a crucial period of political organisation and mobilisation.
As Acting President, Nambeshe is expected to oversee the day-to-day affairs of the party, provide strategic leadership to party structures, coordinate national mobilisation efforts and ensure continuity in implementing the party's programmes while Bobi Wine remains away from active leadership duties.
Political observers say the appointment also reflects NUP's continued emphasis on institutional leadership, delegation of responsibility and strengthening regional representation within the party's top leadership.
Expectations ahead
Nambeshe assumes office at a time when political parties are intensifying preparations for upcoming electoral activities and expanding grassroots structures across the country.
His leadership is expected to focus on consolidating party unity, strengthening coordination among regional offices, supporting mobilisation campaigns and advancing the National Unity Platform's agenda for democratic governance.
Party supporters have welcomed the transition, expressing confidence that Nambeshe's experience in Parliament, organisational skills and long-standing commitment to the opposition movement will help sustain the party's momentum.
With the endorsement of Bobi Wine and the backing of the party leadership, Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe now takes on one of the most significant responsibilities within the National Unity Platform, becoming the latest senior leader entrusted with steering the party's affairs as Acting President.
