Kampala, Uganda – Former presidential candidate and leader of the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) party, Joseph Kabuleta, has officially declared his intention to contest in Uganda’s 2026 General Election.
Speaking during a press conference held in Kampala on today, Kabuleta confirmed he will be on the ballot, marking his second attempt at the presidency following his 2021 bid.
“I am going to stand for the presidency, and I will be on the ballot,” Kabuleta told journalists, affirming his commitment to lead Uganda towards what he described as real economic liberation.
Kabuleta, a former journalist and outspoken political commentator, emphasized that his campaign will focus on empowering Ugandans economically, a vision rooted in his party’s platform which advocates for equitable resource distribution, local entrepreneurship, and financial autonomy from foreign dependency.
His 2021 presidential campaign under the NEED movement was widely noted for its strong anti-corruption message and call for economic justice, though it was met with strong resistance from security agencies.
He was arrested in 2020 under controversial circumstances for his criticism of government policy.
In his latest remarks, Kabuleta reiterated that Uganda’s greatest challenge is not just political, but economic disempowerment.
“Our people are poor not because they are lazy or incapable, but because the system is built to keep them poor,” he said. “We want to dismantle that system.”
Kabuleta’s declaration adds to a growing list of opposition leaders expressing interest in challenging President Yoweri Museveni’s nearly four-decade hold on power.
Museveni, now over 80 years old, is widely expected to seek re-election for the presidential seat.
The Electoral Commission is expected to release the official 2026 election roadmap later this year.
Also read: Lukwago Accuses Museveni of Unofficial Campaigning Through PDM Tours
