Kabuleta in fresh attempt to oust Museveni
Kabuleta’s campaign is economic revival. He promises to restore the fabrics industry, which he claims was destroyed by the current government, leaving many rural communities in poverty. He also vows to reduce reliance on imported food by boosting local agriculture, particularly staples like rice and garlic.
Joseph Kabuleta, the leader and President of the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED), speaking during the official launch of his Party NEED in Nsambya as Asuman Odaka (left) NEED National Coordinator and Adi Babi co founder NEED look on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. (Photo by Nicholas Oneal)
By Ibrahim Ruhweza
Journalists @New Vision
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Joseph Kiza Kabuleta, the leader of National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) party, has declared that he is ready to end President Yoweri Museveni’s rule.
Kabuleta, while speaking at the official launch of the party in Kabalagala, Makindye East, Kampala, on Wednesday, confidently stated that Museveni’s time in power is nearing its end. “He is not going past next year, and you can take that to the bank,” Kabuleta said, adding that NEED is preparing Uganda for life after the Museveni era.
Museveni came to power in 1986.
The former Sports journalist and 2021 independent presidential contender believes this time is different. Unlike other political parties, Kabuleta claims NEED is present in all parts of the country. He describes the party as a truly national movement built on the principle of economic liberation.
Kabuleta joins the ranks of those who have stood up to challenge Museveni’s rule, including Dr Kizza Besigye of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine, who leads the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Despite generating significant momentum, especially among urban youth, these movements have been unable to unseat Museveni, largely due to state machinery, military influence, and control of rural areas. Kabuleta, however, says Museveni is losing his grip.
Kabuleta’s campaign is economic revival. He promises to restore the fabrics industry, which he claims was destroyed by the current government, leaving many rural communities in poverty. He also vows to reduce reliance on imported food by boosting local agriculture, particularly staples like rice and garlic. According to him, doing so will lower the cost of living, including school fees, and enhance food security.
Kabuleta also plans to restructure the public sector, which he says is bloated and riddled with corruption. He criticised the overreliance on the private sector for tax revenue while government officials continue to misuse resources. He pledged to streamline ministries and agencies to ensure efficiency and accountability.
At the same event, Political commentator Charles Rwomushana echoed this during the party launch, stating that maize and other local crops should be the foundation of Uganda’s economic policy. He warned against the destruction of wetlands and the importation of genetically modified food, saying such practices increase vulnerability to droughts and food crises.
Meanwhile, NEED is building its base through a membership campaign that offers three types of membership cards: ordinary (sh5,000), sustaining (sh50,000), and life (sh1,000,000). Party secretary general Asman Odaka said the funds raised will help sustain party operations without reliance on foreign donors. However, Kabuleta cautioned members to avoid fraud, insisting that only cards physically signed by him are valid.