KAMPALA.Embattled presidential hopeful Joseph Kiiza Kabuleta risk missing nominations after being disowned by his party , the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED).
NEED leadership accuses Kabuleta , a veteran journalist cum-politician of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of the party constitution.
The decision , to expel and disown Kabuleta ,the second in months was reached during a National Council meeting on September 19.
“The council resolved to expel you from the party to save its face, credibility and for posterity,” NEED Secretary General Charles Basajja wrote in a letter to Kabuleta.
The party leadership said the action was necessary to protect the values of constitutionalism, democracy, and the rule of law, which Kabuleta had allegedly failed to uphold. The resolution has since been communicated to the Electoral Commission.
Kabuleta, a second time presidential contestant , was elected to lead NEED with the promise of promoting economic empowerment and accountability. But his tenure has been marred by internal wrangles.
In August, the party suspended him for 90 days after the National Executive Committee (NEC) outlined 14 allegations.
Among them was his unilateral decision to declare himself the party’s presidential flag bearer without approval from either NEC or the National Delegates Conference.
He was also accused of practising tribal discrimination in internal decisions, allegedly targeting Baganda and Banyarwanda members. NEC further faulted him for referring to Lubaga residents as “slum dwellers,” a comment that sparked widespread condemnation.
Other accusations included attempts to relocate party offices without consultation and to terminate tenancy agreements without transparency. He was also accused of expelling NEC members without due process, forming a parallel faction within the party, and ignoring official summons.
In addition, the leadership claimed he failed to account for party funds and assets while relying on unverified financial sources.
NEC said his reported remark “I am NEED Party, and NEED is me” was especially troubling, describing it as an attempt to personalise the party and undermine collective leadership.
Kabuleta recently announced the suspension of former Secretary General Charles Basajja and Publicity Secretary Moses Matovu, accusing them of defecting to rival political groups.
He claimed Basajja had joined the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) to promote Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s agenda, while Matovu had crossed to the Democratic Party (DP).
“They are not only suspended as NEC members, they are no longer members of NEED,” Kabuleta declared, warning that any official forging alliances without approval would be treated as a defector.
Despite Kabuleta’ s expulsion, he has pressed ahead with his 2026 presidential campaign roadmap and launched a nationwide fundraising drive to finance NEED’s activities.
The party has not yet named who will take over leadership following Kabuleta’s removal, leaving NEED’s future in limbo as it prepares for the upcoming elections.
According to EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi NEED leadership has already notified EC and a decision is yet to be made on how to handle Kabuleta’s nomination .
Presidential nominations close tomorrow ,Wednesday and so far five contenders have been selected with incumbent Yoweri Museveni of National Resistance Movement and Conservative Party Elton Joseph Mabirizi already nominated .
Others including National Unity Platform(NUP)’s Robert Kyagulanyi and Forum for Democratic Change’s Nathan Nandala Mafabi will be nominated on Wednesday .