Gen Muntu plans to restructure intelligence, security institutions

LANGO - The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu has revealed plans to restructure Uganda's intelligence and security apparatus.

Muntu disclosed his agenda during his campaign tour in the Lango sub-region, where he highlighted the need for a more inclusive and responsive security framework to crack down on errant youth gangs who have made it a habit to steal people’s property, gang rape, and beat the locals in villages.

“While campaigning in Lango sub-region, I have heard of errant youth groups who terrorise the locals. In several incidents, they rape women and snatch cell phones plus other small items, including causing panic in public,” he said while responding to security questions that were posed by voters on his campaign trail.

Muntu also promised to address the issue of corruption, which he described as a major obstacle to development in the region. “We will fight corruption and ensure that resources are used to benefit the people, not just a select few," he said. (All Photos by Stuart Yiga)

Jasper Olowa, the area resident of Otara parish, Aromo town board in Aromo sub county, asked what Muntu would do to arrest errant youth who have become notorious, claiming that they are unemployed without any way of earning their livelihoods without jobs.

“All this mess you see was caused by the government, which neglected the concerns of the locals and engaged in rampant corruption, which ate up our future, including the youth and children. However, that can’t be the excuse for stealing, raping, fighting others, and doing the unthinkable to earn public sympathy simply because you are jobless,” Muntu started.

Muntu pledges intelligence changes to handle community crime.
Muntu, who was the former military intelligence chief before coming to the helm of becoming a Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) commander, pledged to change the intelligence network in Uganda to be able to handle community crime, which he said has been rampant under President Yoweri Museveni’s government.

“Quite often, there has been mob injustice being done through communities over unresolved land cases and petty theft. I am a security expert, and I pledge to handle this matter by offering an accountable and equitable justice system when elected President of Uganda in January 2026,” he insisted.

“We will overhaul the intelligence and security sectors to prioritise community engagement and address the root causes of youth discontent," Muntu said. "Our youth are frustrated, and it's time we listened to their concerns and worked together to build a brighter future."

Muntu's pledge comes amid growing concerns over youth unemployment, poverty, and social inequality in the Lango sub-region. Many young people in the area feel marginalised and excluded from economic opportunities, leading to widespread disillusionment and frustration.

The ANT leader emphasised that his administration would prioritise job creation, skills training, and entrepreneurship programs to empower young people and stimulate economic growth.

“We will invest in agriculture, agro-processing, and manufacturing to create jobs and stimulate economic growth," he said.

Muntu also promised to address the issue of corruption, which he described as a major obstacle to development in the region. “We will fight corruption and ensure that resources are used to benefit the people, not just a select few," he said.