• Kabuleta says it would take at least USD 25 million (UGX 90 billion) to mount a serious presidential challenge.
  • Claims NRM-linked media ownership limits opposition visibility even when airtime is paid for.
  • Notes that parliamentary campaigns can cost up to UGX 1.2 billion, especially against incumbents.

Embattled opposition politician Joseph Kabuleta has revealed how it is nearly impossible for Uganda’s opposition to unseat President Yoweri Museveni’s government, citing financial and structural obstacles.

While appearing on a local podcast, Kabuleta said the major hindrance lies in the huge financial cost of running a competitive presidential campaign.

He disclosed that an NRM member who once harbored presidential ambitions told him that anyone intending to challenge the regime would need at least USD 25 million (approximately UGX 90 billion) to stand a realistic chance. According to Kabuleta, this money would cater for logistics such as nationwide transport, media outreach, and even efforts to “disorganize security agencies.”

Kabuleta questioned which political party in Uganda even has USD 5 million (about UGX 18 billion), arguing that such a financial gap makes regime change through elections extremely difficult.

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The former NEED Party president further noted that even having sufficient funds may not guarantee fair access to voters since most media houses are owned by NRM members, who often decline to host opposition figures for fear of reprisal.

He recounted instances during the 2021 elections when several radio stations turned him away despite offering payment for airtime.

“An NRM member once told me that at least USD 25 million is required to challenge the government. This includes media tours, transportation, and even neutralizing security resistance. But which opposition party in Uganda has even USD 5 million? The task is nearly impossible, and even with the money, access to media remains restricted,” Kabuleta lamented.

He also gave an example of how expensive it has become to contest even at constituency level, saying one would need about UGX 1.2 billion to win a parliamentary seat—especially when running against an incumbent.