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John Baptist Nambeshe, the Member of Parliament for Manjiya County in Bududa district and the current Opposition Chief Whip, has addressed recent rumours about his potential return to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Speaking today, at a press conference at the party offices in Makerere Kavule, Nambeshe confirmed that he had indeed been approached by the NRM on more than one occasion.
His remarks came in response to speculation, fuelled by his absence from NUP activities, which he said led to malicious propaganda, particularly from the NRM.
Nambeshe, who is also the NUP Vice President for Eastern Uganda, was noticeably absent at the party’s mobilisation activities in the subregion this week, which included the leadership training symposium in Mbale.
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His absence fuelled the prevailing speculation that he was being courted by top NRM officials to return to his old party.
"I have been approached by the NRM not once but twice, because some people think I am available,” Nambeshe confirmed.
“ Others think I am disgruntled," Nambeshe stated.
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Personal Reasons Behind Absence
Nambeshe, however, attributed his absence from party activities to personal reasons, notably his family’s health concerns.
"Whenever I am absent, you should know that I have two patients who are in critical condition. My mother is currently in Nairobi’s Aga Khan Hospital, undergoing intensive medical care for her spine, and my sister, who follows me, is also at the Mulago Heart Institute with complications," he explained.
He also clarified his absence during the recent NUP leadership training symposium in Mbale, noting that he had been out of the country on official duties at the time.
Temporary Delegation of Duties
Nambeshe stressed at the press conference that he remains fully committed to his role within the opposition.
In light of his current family responsibilities, he said he has since informed Parliament through the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, that he would temporarily delegate his duties as Opposition Chief Whip to Hon. Erias Luyimbazi Nalukoola.
Background of Speculation
Following his absence at the Mbale event this week, some media outlets reported that Nambeshe had communicated personal matters as the reason for his absence.
However, speculation continued, with reports indicating that the NRM had reached out to Nambeshe, trying to lure him back into the party.
Some NRM officials, including Mike Mukula, the NRM vice chairman for Eastern Uganda, and Lydia Wanyoto, the head of NRM Women’s League, were allegedly involved in efforts to bring Nambeshe back.
Nambeshe, who was initially elected to Parliament on the NRM ticket in 2016 before switching to NUP in 2021, has been a key figure in the development of NUP structures in Bugisu.
However, it has been speculated that his frustrations with the party stemmed from being overlooked for the position of Leader of the Opposition in 2023, a role that was instead given to Joel Ssenyonyi, the Nakawa West MP.