Joseph Kabuleta, the leader of the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED), has threatened to take the Electoral Commission to court for what he terms as irregular actions and conduct, which prevented his nomination for the 2026 presidential elections.
“We were utterly shocked and dismayed that a commission, fully aware that candidate nominations would close at 4 p.m. on 24 September 2025, only responded to our complaint at 5:25 p.m.,” Kabuleta said, expressing his frustration.
Kabuleta, who has petitioned the commission under Section 15 of the Electoral Commission Act, Cap. 140, highlighted in his complaint that the commission displayed gross incompetence, a profound lack of professionalism, a lack of transparency in signature verification, sabotage, and influence peddling by rogue elements within his own party claiming membership.
He also alleged attempts to control and compromise the choices available to Ugandans, in violation of the Constitution, and deliberately obstructing aspirants from nomination without justifiable cause. Kabuleta accused the commission officials responsible for verifying signatures of bias in the process.
Accompanied by his Secretary General, Asuman Odaka, Kabuleta—represented by Nyanzi, Kiboneka and Mbabazi Advocates—threatened legal action against the EC if their demands are not met. He issued an ultimatum until Monday (September 29) for the commission to review the process, reconsider it, approve the submitted signatures, issue a certificate of clearance, extend the nomination timeline, and conduct signature verification transparently, ensuring a legitimate, free, fair, and just process.
The commission nominated eight candidates, including Yoweri Museveni of the NRM, Robert Kyagulanyi of the NUP, Frank Kabinga Bulira of the Revolutionary People’s Party, and Nathan Nandala Mafabi from the FDC. Others include Elton Joseph Mabirizi from the CP, Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party, Gen. Mugisha Muntu from the ANT, and Mubarak Munyagwa from the Common Man’s Party.
