The National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED) Party has firmly rejected claims by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja suggesting that the party is part of a coalition supporting President Yoweri Museveni’s 2026 re-election bid.
The party described the claims as misleading and factually inaccurate, emphasizing that it remains committed to challenging Uganda’s long-standing leadership.
In a statement issued on Friday, 17th October, 2025, NEED’s Secretary General, Charles Basajja, clarified that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had not signed any memorandum of understanding or agreement relating to support for the President.
Basajja highlighted that Shadrack Ogemba, who was allegedly linked to the endorsement, has publicly and privately denied any association with the coalition.
He emphasized that political endorsements are solely determined by the NEC of the party.
“The post’s implication of NEED’s support is factually inaccurate, politically dishonest, and appears designed to serve personal interests during this election cycle,” the statement read.
The NEED’s Secretary General reaffirmed that NEED remains focused on changing the status quo and opposing President Museveni’s administration, rejecting any association with what it called the Prime Minister’s arrangement.
He urged the public, media, and stakeholders to disregard misinformation and disinformation regarding the party’s political position.
Basajja also appealed to Ugandans to support NEED’s cause as it prepares for the 2026 general elections, maintaining its opposition stance against the ruling National Resistance Movement government.
The controversy arose after Prime Minister Nabbanja on Wednesday, 15th October, 2025, publicly congratulated political parties that had joined a coalition to back President Museveni.
She named several parties allegedly involved, including the Republic Women and Youth Party, Liberal Democratic Transparency (LDT), NEED, Revolutionary People’s Party (RPP), Congress Service Volunteers Organisation (COSEVO), and LDT.
NEED’s response clarifies that it is not part of this coalition, and any claims to the contrary are false and politically motivated.
By distancing itself from the alleged coalition, NEED reaffirms its commitment to combating misinformation and highlights its dedication to driving change ahead of the 2026 general elections.
