Muntu says value addition in agriculture key to unlocking jobs
Addressing a campaign rally at Kubala village, Obi parish, Omogo sub-county in Terego district on December 6, 2025, Muntu said Uganda has enormous agricultural potential, supported by fertile soils, a favourable climate and abundant water resources.
Muntu says value addition in agriculture key to unlocking jobs
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Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu has stressed that adding value to agricultural produce remains central to Uganda’s economic transformation and job creation.
Addressing a campaign rally at Kubala village, Obi parish, Omogo sub-county in Terego district on December 6, 2025, Muntu said Uganda has enormous agricultural potential, supported by fertile soils, a favourable climate and abundant water resources.
Despite this, he noted that the sector remains underdeveloped because most farmers still sell raw produce, leading to low incomes and minimal economic benefits.
He said Uganda’s agricultural sector employs more than 70 percent of the workforce yet contributes only 25 percent to the Gross Domestic Product, which he described as evidence of a significant value-addition gap. He promised that his government would create a separate fund to provide cheap credit to farmers and allocate 10 percent of the national budget specifically to agriculture.
He added that an ANT government would prioritise agro-processing and value addition.
Muntu said agro-processing could create employment in rural communities, reduce poverty and tackle unemployment. He added that value-added products attract higher prices, helping farmers earn more and improving household livelihoods.
He also explained that value addition would diversify Uganda’s economy by reducing reliance on primary commodities and enabling processed goods to access regional and international markets.
Muntu also said President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, during a recent visit to Terego, acknowledged his work and commended his discipline and honesty in administration. He said ANT remains a values-driven party that champions discipline and integrity as a solution to Uganda’s political challenges.
ANT support in Terego
Muntu received a boost from the party’s sole elected leader in Terego District, Wilfred Saka, who endorsed him after serving a five-year term since 2021.
Saka said he supports Muntu’s candidacy because of his clean leadership record and called on voters to send leaders of integrity to the district council, noting that serving under the ruling National Resistance Movement majority had been difficult.
Saka urged voters to support Muntu, saying he believes the candidate will reform Uganda’s governance systems. He added that ANT intends to revive cooperatives and re-establish a cooperative bank to strengthen agricultural credit.
Former Arua Municipality legislator and Arua City Central Division MP aspirant, Kassiano Wadri, also endorsed Muntu, saying he was confident in Muntu’s ability to enforce peace and security if elected president.
He said he had worked closely with Muntu since their time at Makerere University and emphasised the candidate’s experience and commitment to protecting Uganda.
Wadri said Uganda does not lack resources but has continued to lag behind since colonial times due to persistent governance failures. He argued that the country needs systematic and patient reforms, which he believes Muntu is best placed to deliver.
Voters react to value addition proposals
Local farmers said they welcomed Muntu’s proposals, particularly those aimed at strengthening market access and improving incomes.
Farmer Hilda Ayikoru said many farmers struggle to secure good prices and often lose produce to middlemen.
Other voters said they hoped for leadership that prioritises rural needs and invests in long-term development.