Kabuleta Mulls Independent Presidential Bid After Suspension from NEED Party
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August 4, 2025 | Kampala, Uganda
Joseph Kizza Kabuleta, the embattled president of the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) Party, is weighing the option of contesting as an independent candidate in the forthcoming presidential elections. This development comes in the wake of a 90-day suspension handed to him by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
The suspension, which has sparked internal tensions within the NEED Party, stems from alleged leadership disputes and strategic disagreements among the party’s top brass. While the NEC has yet to release a detailed explanation for the decision, sources within the party point to concerns over Kabuleta’s recent political maneuvers and public statements.
In response, Kabuleta has not ruled out stepping outside the party framework, signaling a potential independent bid for the presidency in 2026. “My mission to economically empower Ugandans transcends party boundaries,” Kabuleta reportedly told close associates. “If the NEED platform is compromised, I will continue this mission independently.”
Kabuleta, a former journalist and pastor turned politician, gained national prominence during the 2021 general elections and has since positioned himself as a vocal critic of corruption and economic inequality. His leadership in the NEED Party focused on grassroots mobilization and advocating for what he termed as “economic liberation” of ordinary Ugandans.
Political analysts say an independent bid could both challenge and fragment the opposition vote, depending on how events unfold within NEED and the broader opposition coalition.
With the 2026 general elections drawing closer, Kabuleta’s next move will be closely watched as it could significantly reshape Uganda’s political landscape.
