Muntu urges voters to choose issues over excitement in 2026 race

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As Uganda moves towards the 2026 elections, Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu has issued a blunt warning to citizens not to allow excitement to overshadow critical judgment.

Addressing several rallies, including one at the Lwakhakha border in Namisindwa district, Muntu urged voters to assess the seven presidential candidates based on substance rather than spectacle, particularly as President Yoweri Museveni approaches 40 years in power.

“Politics isn’t ‘pick and play’. We must deal with the mess ahead of us,” he said.

Using a metaphor, he told supporters that when one plants a mangada (mandarin) tree, one harvests mangada, while planting a lemon tree produces lemons, which are bitter.

“I have experience in politics, I have commanded the army at 30, and I know how to handle security at all levels in this country,” Muntu insisted.

Breaking the cycle of violence

Muntu expressed concern about Uganda’s shrinking democratic space. “Each election since 1986 gets worse. We risk deeper violence, injustices. Vote issues, not propaganda.”

He criticised the NRM government, urging Ugandans to examine which candidate is committed to fighting corruption, strengthening national security and ensuring a peaceful transition.

At Namisindwa town council, residents raised concerns about power blackouts, poor roads and rising unemployment.

Tsemwiri Samwiri, a retired UTL employee, appealed for support: “Pay our pensions.” Muntu pledged to settle outstanding dues, arrest corrupt individuals and recover stolen public resources.

A soldier’s rebuke to what he called ‘fun politics’

During the rally in Lwakhakha, a youth named Timothy Emma questioned Muntu, asking, “Why leave FDC, delay change?” Muntu defended his decision, saying he championed building structures rather than what he termed “defiance shortcuts.”

“I warned FDC, capture power without roots, you’ll fail. Where are they now?” he criticised.

He promised a merit-based leadership model, citing reforms he introduced in the UPDF when he was 30. “I streamlined pay and pensions. I’ll clean up the rot.”

Forty years in power: a mirror, not a mantra

Muntu warned voters against being distracted by slogans.

“Forty years means failure to hand over. No slogans, issues. Electricity? Roads? Jobs?” He promised improvements in healthcare and expanded economic opportunities in agriculture for youth and women. I led the army; I’ll lead Uganda. Trust me.”