Ex-army commander Muntu reveals why he is seeking presidency

LIRA - Ex-army commander Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu has disclosed why he has persisted in politics for so long, with majority of Ugandans undermining his efforts.

Muntu, who is the Alliance for National Transformation presidential flag-bearer, insists that he is contesting for the 2026 General Election to stop Uganda from taking South American politics model route.

Muntu, who is dreaming of charting a new course for Uganda towards what he calls a ‘clean’ democracy and rule of law, after his former commander, President Yoweri Museveni, who has for 40 years been at the helm of peace, security and prosperity for all, criticised the current political trend for neglecting the poor.

Addressing Journalists after concluding a week-long tour in Acholi region on Sunday, November 9, 2025, evening at Good News Hotel in Lira city, Muntu asked Ugandans to trust him with votes in 2026 for him to change the political culture of Uganda which he said seems to be heading to anarchy with violent gangs using government weaknesses to rule over the poor and the hungry.

“Under the current government, the poor have been marginalised and the rich have been conniving with the military to grab people’s land, the Police have been working with the Judiciary to frustrate the poor in courts, the poor man’s political decision has been undermined through vote rigging and commercialisation of politics to drive him from political participation,” he said.

This trend, similar to what happens in South American states like Haiti, Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama, creates a situation where the wealthy rule with gangsters to condemn poor people to persistent suffering and poverty.

“Haiti has been politically independent for over 200 years, but has remained historically poor and politically unstable because of corruption and poor governance. This is why I am in this election to stop Uganda from taking this political route in future, and this is a similar culture being groomed to take over our country,” he insisted.

“We are not just fighting for a change of government, we are fighting for a change of system,” Muntu said. “We want to build a country that is just, equitable and democratic, where all citizens have access to opportunities and resources."

He added that during NRM internal party elections in Kololo where Central Executive Committee (CEC) members were bribing delegates to power under the tents, they were buying them like goats and in spite all these efforts to remain in power after 40 years, there has been no drugs in health centres, public jobs are sold at the district and in all government agencies and ministries and poverty is increasing due to unchecked corruption.

“Democracy is easier to talk about than practice. That’s why the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government has been struggling to put a picture of democracy but it has failed to show it.”

Muntu sounded the alarm, warning that the country is at a critical juncture and that the upcoming polls will determine whether Uganda follows the path of Haiti and some South American countries, plagued by instability and authoritarianism.

"We are at a crossroads, and the decision we make in 2026 will determine the future of our country," Muntu said. “We can either continue down the path of instability and chaos, or we can choose a new way, one that prioritises democracy, accountability, and the rule of law."

John Bosco Odongo, the ANT coordinator for the Lango sub-region said that Uganda faces numerous challenges, including a growing debt crisis, high levels of unemployment, and concerns about human rights abuses.

“The country has also experienced a wave of protests and civil unrest in recent years, with many citizens demanding greater accountability and transparency from their leaders, which is a sign that we need to change our political culture,” suggested Odongo.

The comparison to Haiti and some South American countries is not lost on Ugandans, who are all too aware of the dangers of political instability and authoritarianism, he added.

Haiti, in particular, has struggled with poverty, corruption and gang violence, while countries like Venezuela and Nicaragua have descended into authoritarianism, with severe consequences for their citizens.

“We don't want to end up like Haiti, where people are struggling to survive and there's no stability," said Bonny Otyama Ogongson, the chairman of the Peoples Front for Freedom (PFF) party in the Lango sub-region.

“We need leaders who will prioritise our welfare and ensure that our country is stable and prosperous," he observed.