By Dean Lubowa Saava
JB Nambeshe has consistently expressed feelings of isolation and disconnection within the National Unity Platform (NUP) to those close to him. He firmly believes that the party relies heavily on his presence in Bududa and the broader Bugisu region, more so than he relies on the party itself.
It’s worth noting that Nambeshe’s constituency, Bududa, is predominantly dominated by the National Resistance Movement (NRM), and his 2021 electoral victory cannot be solely attributed to the popularity of Kyagulanyi.
JB Nambeshe’s victory, as well as his earlier wins for Bududa LC5 and the MP seat in 2016, can be attributed to his strong political background and personal reputation. This suggests that his individual character and political history played a significant role in his success, rather than solely relying on party affiliations
Nambeshe’s victory in one of NUP’s only two MP seats outside of Buganda was a significant win, and he felt it earned him the right to be appointed Leader of Opposition (LoP). This position would have given him the platform and resources to secure more seats for NUP in the Bugisu region.
As a key figure in the party, Nambeshe’s expectations weren’t entirely unfounded. He has been a crucial player in NUP, serving as the opposition chief whip in parliament. However, his relationship with the party has been complex, and he’s been described as “lukewarm” towards the Kavule party.
It’s worth noting that Nambeshe has previously expressed concerns about the party’s internal dynamics, calling out tribalistic tendencies and favoritism towards certain regions. Despite this, he has remained a key figure in NUP, even being temporarily appointed as party president by Bobi Wine.
It appears that JB Nambeshe’s frustrations with the National Unity Platform (NUP) have reached a boiling point. After being overlooked for the Leader of Opposition (LoP) position in favor of Mathias Mpuuga, Nambeshe felt undervalued and accepted the chief whip role begrudgingly.
Fast-forward to the present, and Nambeshe is now considering a return to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, courtesy of overtures from NRM diehards led by Mike Mukula. The lure of improved public infrastructure and social services in his Manjiya County constituency, which Nambeshe believes can only be achieved by rejoining NRM, seems too great to resist.
Nambeshe’s impending departure from NUP would mark a significant blow to the opposition party, which has been struggling to maintain cohesion. With Nambeshe’s departure, NUP would lose a prominent figure and a key player in the eastern region.
It seems like JB Nambeshe, a prominent politician from the National Unity Platform (NUP), is planning to return to his former party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM). According to a report by the state-owned New Vision, Nambeshe has been negotiating with NRM leaders, including Gen. Yoweri Museveni, to facilitate his return.
The report indicates that talks are advanced, and Nambeshe’s only condition for returning to NRM is that Gen. Museveni must deliver on his promise to tarmac and grade a key road in his constituency. Nambeshe reportedly told his voters that Gen. Museveni was waiting for him in Mbale during the PDM tour, but Nambeshe postponed the meeting until the road project is underway .
Nambeshe’s return to NRM is expected to be imminent, with the ruling party’s chief spokesperson, Hon. Emmanuel Ddombo, confirming that negotiations are ongoing. Ddombo also hinted that Nambeshe is not the only NUP member expected to join NRM before the 2026 elections.
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