Muntu urges Ugandans to seize global opportunities
Muntu said Uganda risks missing out on new opportunities if its leaders remain inward-looking, arguing that the changing global order presents countries in the Global South with an opportunity to reposition themselves and accelerate development.
Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) president Maj. Gen. (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu. (File photo)
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Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) president Maj. Gen. (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu has urged Uganda and other African countries to pay closer attention to rapid changes taking place on the global stage and position themselves to benefit from emerging economic and strategic opportunities.
Muntu said Uganda risks missing out on new opportunities if its leaders remain inward-looking, arguing that the changing global order presents countries in the Global South with an opportunity to reposition themselves and accelerate development.
He made the remarks on September 7 during a press conference at the ANT offices in Lungujja, Kampala, where he reflected on the recent United Nations General Assembly resolution encouraging a more accurate representation of Africa and other continents on the world map.
The UN General Assembly on September 4 overwhelmingly backed the resolution to correct the world map to establish the actual size of Africa, with 164 countries voting in favour, six abstaining and the United States voting against. The resolution promotes the use of the Equal Earth projection, which represents the relative size of Africa more accurately than the widely used Mercator projection.
Africa must seize its moment
Muntu said the UN resolution should not be viewed merely as a debate about cartography, but as part of a wider shift in how Africa is perceived and positioned in the international system.
The ANT leader argued that Uganda must closely observe such global developments and prepare to take advantage of the opportunities they create, warning that failure to do so could leave the country dominated by others.
“The world is changing, and we must position ourselves to take advantage of the dynamics unfolding globally. If we do not, we shall miss out on these opportunities as we have missed out on three industrial revolutions,” Muntu noted.
The former army commander criticised what he described as a tendency by Uganda's leadership to view the country as though it operates in isolation from the rest of the world.
Muntu said Uganda's development should go beyond constructing roads, bridges and other physical infrastructure to building strong citizens and institutions capable of sustaining national progress.
“We must build people, and the people build the country. If you have weak people, that kind of development is not sustainable.”
He said strong institutions would ensure that the country continues to function regardless of changes in individual leadership, while empowered citizens would be better placed to protect and develop Uganda's resources.
ANT mourns King Oyo
Muntu also expressed condolences to the people of Tooro following the death of Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, describing him as the youngest monarch in the world.
He said ANT would send a delegation to attend the king's burial on Saturday, September 12. “We want to send our dearest commiseration to the Kingdom of Tooro for the loss of the youngest monarch in the world. ANT will send a delegation on September 12 to participate in the final send-off,” he said.
Wadri calls for judicial independence
He questioned the apparent overlap between political and military activities and asked the authorities to provide clarity.
Wadri also called on the judiciary to handle cases involving jailed opposition figures, including Dr Kizza Besigye, Elias Lukwago and Muwanga Kivumbi, in accordance with the law.
Besigye, a veteran opposition politician and former presidential candidate, is facing treason charges alongside his aide Haji Obeid Lutale and Uganda People's Defence Forces Capt. Denis Oola.
He was arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, in November 2024 and returned to Uganda, where he was initially arraigned before a military court before his case was moved to the High Court.
Lukwago, the former Kampala Lord Mayor and one of Besigye's lawyers, was arrested in June while preparing to serve court papers to the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, seeking his appearance in court over the Besigye case.
He was subsequently charged with misprision of treason. Kivumbi, a former Butambala County MP and National Unity Platform (NUP) deputy president for Buganda, is also facing charges including treason and inciting violence.
Wadri urged judicial officers to remain guided by the law and their oath of office, saying public confidence in the justice system depends on courts being able to dispense justice without fear or favour.
“Our hope lies with the judiciary, and we pray that they execute their duties judiciously so that everybody can have confidence that when he or she is taken to courts of law, they can expect justice,” he said.
The press conference was also attended by ANT foreign affairs adviser Amb. Edith Sempala, youth wing chairperson Calvin Ochaya, former Kajara MP aspirant Naboth Turyahikayo, among other party members.