Why Bobi Wine has replaced Dr Zedriga as NUP president with Nambeshe

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has appointed the party’s Deputy President for the Eastern Region, Hon. John Baptist Nambeshe, as its new acting president, succeeding Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru.

The announcement was made by NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who said the change follows the completion of Dr. Zedriga’s four-month tenure in the acting role.

“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,” Kyagulanyi said in a statement.

He added: “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.”

Nambeshe’s appointment takes effect immediately and marks the latest transition in the party’s acting leadership structure while Kyagulanyi continues to serve as the substantive president of the opposition party.

Dr. Zedriga, who served in the acting capacity over the past four months, was commended by the party leader for her stewardship and commitment to advancing the party’s objectives during her tenure.

The announcement has been welcomed by party supporters, with NUP calling on its leaders and members across the country to support Nambeshe as he assumes the acting leadership role.

NUP, Uganda’s leading opposition party, has periodically assigned senior party officials to serve as acting president for defined periods while Robert Kyagulanyi remains the party’s elected substantive president.

The arrangement is intended to strengthen internal leadership, decentralize responsibilities, and maintain continuity in the party’s operations.