Muntu tells Busoga to elect trusted leaders to avoid mineral 'curse'

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The discovery of vast rare earth mineral deposits in the Busoga sub-region, widely hailed as a potential economic breakthrough for Uganda, has led ANT presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu to caution that without trusted leadership, the minerals may instead become a curse that fuels deeper poverty and greater inequality.

Addressing a campaign rally on November 29, 2025, at Maziba Central village, Maziba parish in Maziba subcounty, Namutumba district, Muntu said the greatest danger was not the minerals themselves but the absence of integrity in those who manage national resources.

“It’s not just about discovery, it’s about dignity, transparency, and who benefits,” Muntu said.

The treasure beneath

Uganda has confirmed significant rare earth mineral deposits through the Makuutu Rare Earths Project in Busoga, covering parts of Bugiri district, Iganga, Mayuge, Namutumba and areas of Karamoja.

The resources, identified through a five-year airborne geophysical survey conducted by a Spanish firm, include elements essential for high-tech manufacturing and renewable energy technologies.

Muntu warned that residents risk being dispossessed if they continue to elect leaders driven by greed instead of public interest.

“Busoga and Karamoja sub-regions are in the same basket when you keep greedy politicians in power. If you do not vote for trusted leaders who have overcome the temptations of guns, money, corruption, greed and power, you will wake up one day, and you will find when you are dispossessed of your land,” he said.

He stressed that rare earth minerals are extremely valuable, arguing they are more lucrative than oil and Parish Development Model funds combined.

“The rare earths are more lucrative than oil and Parish Development Model (PDM) money combined, and their wealth is double oil and gas fortunes, and that's why you need leaders who are tested and tried like me," Muntu added.

Muntu also highlighted his military career as proof of his integrity.

“I became an army commander of the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) at the age of 30, but I never stole any of your taxes and public money. I did not misuse my power while I was still a serving officer, so I know that I am the only one fit to fight corruption in this country. Just vote for me, and you will enjoy the proceeds of your God-given resources,” he said.

He warned that electing dishonest leaders would result in regret.

“If you vote 'bafele' meaning 'fraudsters' in power, be ready to reap what you sow because you can't reap oranges where you sow lemons. They are bitter, and you will regret it when you fail to utilise this chance to vote Muntu,” he said with a laugh.

Muntu promises Basoga control of sugar value chain

Muntu assured voters that they would be able to establish their own sugar factories under his leadership.

“You will start your own sugar factories as Basoga once elected in power,” he said, insisting that the collapse of the local sugar cane economy was deliberate.

“I have already warned those in Karamoja, and you are the next in line. That’s why the government collapsed the sugar cane growing business because they do not want you to be rich and self-sustaining,” he claimed.

He pledged that, if elected in January 2026, he would strengthen cooperative movements and ensure local ownership of factories.

“When you elect me as president in January 2026, I will make sure that you own your own factories through cooperative movements and you guard against the monopoly of the sugar business in your region because you already have sugar plantations and can feed your own factories with the required raw materials,” he said.

Muntu vowed strict regulation, fair revenue-sharing and job creation for local communities.

“Karamoja’s gold didn’t lift them, and Busoga won’t be collateral. Do not laugh at the Karimojong thinking that you are different when you do not have leaders who will fight for you, who are not corrupt and greedy,” he said, citing broken deals.

He urged voters to choose leaders who protect community wealth.

“Vote ANT and the trusted leaders in your region, and the proceeds of your labour shall be your own,” he said.