Muntu says to use oil revenue to elevate Bunyoro, cause infrastructure transformation

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Presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu has promised to use oil revenue to elevate the Bunyoro sub-region and drive infrastructure transformation.

Muntu, who is the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) flag-bearer, says he plans to achieve this by providing mortgages to locals, enabling them to access affordable housing and improve their economic prospects.

Addressing voters at Budaka lower cell, Bujura ward, Hoima west division in Hoima city on January 7, 2026, Muntu added that once elected, his government would prioritise affordable housing and invest in reliable energy, transport and ICT infrastructure.

Muntu's vision for Bunyoro includes investing oil revenue in infrastructure development, social services, and community projects while aiming to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve living standards in the region.

The Bunyoro Kingdom has long demanded a bigger share of oil revenue, citing historical agreements and the need for development. Muntu's promise has resonated with some, who see it as a chance to address regional disparities.

Speaking to voters at Kyesiga ward, Western division in Hoima city, Muntu blamed corruption for poor urban planning in Ugandan cities, insisting that it has led to the emergence of slums and shanty structures, undermining efforts to develop sustainable cities that meet maximum standards of international development.

“Corruption has eaten up city planning authorities, and that’s why when you compare Kampala city and other cities in East Africa, you see a very big difference, yet we have spent 40 years without war in Uganda apart from the Northern region, which faced instability for 20 years,” Muntu said.

All the new cities lack the budget to improve the road network, provide clean water and sanitation facilities, provide clean energy and ICT services, which the ANT government plans to implement when elected on January 15, he noted.

He promised to introduce long-term mortgages to city dwellers to transform the infrastructural development faces of urban areas in Uganda.

Improving livelihoods

This pledge is part of Muntu's broader vision to improve the living standards of Ugandans, particularly in urban areas, which he said has sub-standard infrastructure constructed on poor planning and management.

“I promised to strengthen local governments and increase funding to improve service delivery in towns and rural areas. I shall increase budgets by providing 10% funding to create more jobs in urban centres as a way of improving standards of living,” he added.

Muntu's remarks come amid growing concerns about corruption in the urban planning sector. A recent report by the Inspectorate of Government highlighted corruption as a major challenge facing urban councils, leading to poor service delivery and infrastructure development.

Muntu promised to strengthen accountability and transparency in government. He has also vowed to empower citizens to demand accountability from their leaders and hold them responsible for their actions.

“Under our government, we promised to strengthen land rights and stop illegal evictions due to persistent land grabbing that has been rampant in the Bunyoro sub-region and other parts of the country.”

Mortgages to help struggling residents own homes

Muntu's promise of long-term mortgages is aimed at addressing the housing crisis where many residents struggle to access affordable housing. His plan is to provide affordable mortgages to enable city dwellers to own homes, thereby transforming the urban landscape.

Muntu's vision for urban development is centred around empowering homesteads to earn at least shillings 25.2 million annually through agriculture, industry, services, and strategic support, with his manifesto prioritising agricultural revitalisation, industrial growth, and sustainable management of Uganda's natural resources.

Uganda's cities face a severe housing crisis marked by a massive deficit, rapid urbanisation, high population growth, and escalating costs, pushing most residents into overcrowded, substandard informal settlements with poor sanitation as ‘affordable’ housing remains out of reach due to high prices and difficult mortgages.

Muntu's promise has been welcomed by some, but others remain sceptical about whether opposition parties can implement such reforms.

Ismail Kasule, the ANT flag-bearer for Hoima East division Member of Parliament (MP), said that they need the Government, which will advocate for local contracts.

“There has to be special consideration for local contractors in the oil exploitation if the Government is to uplift local communities out of poverty,” he said.

We need oil resources to construct roads in Hoima city, provide clean water to all divisions and invest in education of our local population, Kasule added.

Muntu shall be in the districts of Bundibugyo and Ntoroko today, January 8, 2026.