Muntu vows to support missionary-founded health facilities, empower farmers

GULU - Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate Maj Gen (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu says once elected into power, he will support health centres established by missionaries across Uganda.

Addressing a campaign rally at Lacor market, Bardege-Layibi division in Gulu district on December 30, 2025, Muntu emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to improve healthcare.

“We will support all health centres started by missionaries to decongest government facilities and provide better services,” Muntu said, when asked about how he intends to address congestion in government health facilities.

“We will support all health centres started by missionaries to decongest government facilities and provide better services,” Muntu (L) said, when asked about how he intends to address congestion in government health facilities. (All Photos by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“St Mary’s Lacor Hospital, a renowned facility, serves thousands, exemplifying the impact of missionary contributions to Uganda's healthcare. There are many others like Ruharo Missionary Hospital, which specialises in the treatment of eyes and the ear, there is Mengo Hospital, Rubaga Hospital, Kibuli Hospital and others,” Muntu said.

Muntu's proposal involves partnering with missionary-founded health centres to boost service delivery, expand infrastructure and increase staffing. The initiative aims to address challenges like limited access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas.

“By supporting these health centres, we can improve healthcare access and reduce disease burden,” Muntu noted.

Lawrence Bongomin, a resident, said Lacor was started in 1959 by the Comboni Catholic Missionary near Lacor, a village a few kilometres west of Gulu, the main town in Northern Uganda and has since given excellent services to the locals.

Markets are a lifeline to crop, livestock farmers

Muntu emphasised the critical role markets play in supporting farmers. “Markets are a lifeline to farmers who earn a living from their produce,” Muntu said, highlighting the need for accessible and profitable market opportunities.

Addressing market vendors at Olayolong market in Bardege-Layibi division, Muntu outlined the challenges Ugandan farmers face, including limited market access, low prices, and exploitation.

He pledged to prioritise market development, promoting fair prices and reducing middlemen.

“Farmers need reliable markets to thrive,” Muntu said, advocating for policies that support agricultural growth. His proposal includes investing in market infrastructure, improving value chains, and enhancing farmers' bargaining power through cooperative unions.

Muntu vowed to commit a special fund for traders, focusing on women and youth, offering affordable loans and training.

“We'll support agro-businesses with a 12% interest rate fund,” Muntu promised, aiming to empower marginalized groups and boost economic growth.

Muntu announced plans to establish a special fund to support market traders, with a focus on employing women and youth. Muntu's proposal aims to empower marginalised groups and boost economic growth.

According to Muntu, the fund will provide affordable loans and training to market traders, promoting entrepreneurship and job creation. Muntu emphasised the importance of inclusivity, stating,

“We will prioritise women and youth, who are often left behind in economic opportunities. There is no way small-scale industries, women and youth in markets can fight poverty when they are still accessing working and starting capital at the commercial banks’ interest rates hovering around 16-20% for unsecured loans,” Muntu observed.

We shall support the growth of agro-businesses with a fund that is easily accessible on a standard interest rate standing at 12% annually, he promised.

Uganda's market sector employs millions, but traders face challenges, including limited access to finance and infrastructure constraints.

“We will create a fund that works for market traders, empowering them to thrive," Muntu said. 

The proposal has been welcomed by traders, who hope for improved livelihoods and economic stability.

Muntu’s plan to create jobs for the youth and the majority women who make up 51% of the population in the country.

In Uganda's 2024 National Population and Housing Census, the female population was reported as 23,591,128, making up 51% of the total 45.9 million people, slightly outnumbering males and continuing a trend of female majority in the country.