Bush war veterans Besigye, Muntu parties plot to field joint candidate against Museveni
As political parties scramble to collect nomination forms for the 2026 presidential race, PFF and ANT have prioritised collaboration over competition, New Vision Online has learnt.
Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) Maj Gen (rtd) Mugisha Muntu outlining the importance of unity in fielding one candidate at NUP's Makerere Kavule offices in Kampala. (Photos by Isaac Nuwagaba)
By Isaac Nuwagaba
Journalists @New Vision
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Bush war veterans-led People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) are in secret talks to field a joint presidential candidate against President Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 General Election.
The development signals a potential united front to challenge their former bush war comrade. The discussions, centred on unifying the Opposition, have reached a critical stage with both parties considering retired generals Dr Kizza Besigye and Mugisha Muntu as potential flag-bearers.
As political parties scramble to collect nomination forms for the 2026 presidential race, PFF and ANT have prioritised collaboration over competition, New Vision Online has learnt.
PFF spokesperson Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda confirmed ongoing talks: “We met with ANT on August 19 to finalise a joint candidate. We agreed to align with the National Unity Platform (NUP), but they have yet to respond.”
“Not picking forms from the electoral commission like other opposition political parties have so far done does not mean that we lack credible candidates to run against President Museveni. We are not planning to just run a presidential campaign, but we are planning to run in the whole country against Museveni,” Ssemujju added.
The parties aim to present a cohesive Opposition to Museveni, with Ssemujju stressing the urgency of a “peaceful transition plan” to avoid instability.
“Museveni is old enough to initiate a transition dialogue, not just within the Opposition but also in his own NRM party. We risk exile if internal strife erupts,” he warned.
ANT has already nominated former army commander Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu as its presidential candidate who has since picked nomination forms from the Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala. He is among the over 180 individuals who have shown interest in dislodging Museveni.
The Kira Municipality Member of Parliament, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, addressing the press at PFF Katonga Road offices in Nakasero, Kampala. 
Meanwhile, PFF is weighing Dr Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential contender currently imprisoned on treason charges.
“Even Besigye, in Luzira Prison, can be nominated in absentia,” Ssemujju said, emphasising the parties’ flexibility.
While Muntu’s military background and leadership skills make him a strong contender, finalising a single candidate remains unresolved.
“We must decide Uganda’s future together—not end up in exile debating later,” Ssemujju added.
The parties signed a co-operation agreement months ago, formalising their partnership.
ANT’s Muntu, who picked nomination forms on behalf of his party, emphasised unity: “We’ve signed an MoU with PFF to field joint candidates at all levels, including president. We’re consulting others to finalise the path forward.”
Muntu also expressed openness to collaborating with NUP, whose leader, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine, has already submitted his presidential forms.
“Even if a single candidate isn’t feasible, we’ll coordinate strategies to strengthen electoral processes and voter protection,” he said.
“Much as we are boxed in a corner to nominate a presidential candidate as PFF, we still have until August 24 to pick forms and express interest…even Besigye can be nominated in absentia,” Ssemujju said.
The move to unify Opposition forces could reshape Uganda’s political landscape, offering a credible challenge to Museveni’s dominance. However, internal coordination and NUP’s stance remain critical hurdles.
As Ssemujju noted, “We’re not just running a campaign—we’re planning to govern after Museveni.” The success of this alliance may determine whether Uganda’s opposition can finally break Museveni’s decades-long grip on power.