Kampala, Uganda: The National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) party has suspended its president, Joseph Kiiza Kabuleta, for at least 90 days over a series of grave misconduct allegations, including abuse of power, sectarianism, and financial impropriety.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) made the decision during a special sitting held on Friday, August 1, 2025, with 12 out of 17 members endorsing the suspension.
NEED Spokesperson Moses Matovu confirmed the move, citing Kabuleta’s unilateral declaration as the party’s 2026 presidential flag bearer without NEC or Delegates Conference approval.
Matovu also accused Kabuleta of tribalism, expelling executive members based on ethnicity, and making offensive remarks such as referring to residents of Lubaga as “slum dwellers.” “This party will not tolerate divisive conduct. The NEC has taken this decision to preserve unity and integrity.”
He further revealed that Kabuleta had mismanaged party funds, failed to account for assets, and operated with unverified sources of income, raising red flags about financial transparency and sustainability.
Kabuleta, a former presidential candidate in the 2021 general elections, is also accused of running a parallel faction, organizing an unauthorized Delegates Conference, skipping key meetings, and attempting to relocate party headquarters without NEC approval.
“Kabuleta said, ‘I am NEED, and NEED is me’, but the party is bigger than any one individual,” Matovu emphasized, describing the remark as authoritarian and contrary to collective leadership principles.
During the 90-day suspension, Kabuleta is prohibited from conducting any party business or accessing party property. Leadership duties will be assumed by the Deputy National Chairperson in acting capacity as the NEC reviews internal structures.
Kabuleta, a former sports journalist and pastor who ran for president in 2021, declined to comment when contacted. “I have no comment.” His suspension marks a pivotal moment for the NEED party, testing its internal democracy and leadership maturity as Uganda’s 2026 general elections draw closer.
But the Electoral Commission has urged NEED members to resolve disputes legally and in line with their constitution. “If they can’t agree internally, they should go to court,” EC Spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi advised.
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