National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine has appointed John Baptist Nambeshe as the party’s interim president, replacing Dr. Lina Zedriga Waruin the latest leadership change within Uganda’s latest opposition party.
The decision comes amid a challenging period for the party, with Bobi Wine temporarily outside Uganda carrying out political and international engagements. Earlier, he had designated Dr. Lina Zedriga, the party’s Deputy president for Northern Uganda to oversee the party in his absence on March 14, 2026. However the latest announcement places Nambeshe in the interim leadership role.
Who is John Baptist Nambeshe?
John Baptist Nambeshe serves as the party’s Deputy president for Eastern Uganda and is member of parliament for Manjiya County in Bududa District. He has previously acted as party president whenever Bobi Wine traveled abroad, including in 2021 when he thanked the party leader for entrusting him with responsibility.
Bobi Wine’s Remarks
In announcing his temporarily departure earlier this year, Bobi Wine said he was leaving Uganda to continue international advocacy while maintaining pressure over political developments at home.
He said that :
” 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. “
“As her tenure comes to an end, I am pleased to announce that Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe, Deputy present Eastern region will be taking over as acting president of NUP. I wish him well and request all leaders and comrades to accord him the necessary support, ” Bobi Wine added.
Nambeshe accepted the appointment and thanked Bobi Wine for the confidence placed in him.
” Thank you for placing your trust in me with this appointment. I am deeply honored to step into the role of NUP Acting president. Your confidence in my leadership during this pivotal time is both humbling and inspiring, ” Nambeshe wrote on X.
What the Change Means
The appointment of John Baptist Nambeshe is expected is expected to provide interim leadership as Bob Wine continues his activities outside the country. Political analysis says the move is intended to ensure continuity within NUP during a period marked by internal debates and external political pressure.
Although leadership change have generated discussions within the party, NUP officials continue to empathize unity and the party’s commitment to it’s political agenda as preparations continue for future political activities.
