We are supporting Muntu for president, says Ankole PFF leader

___________________

Stanley Katembeya has publicly announced that the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) leaders in Ankole have resolved to support Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) in the 2026 presidential race.

Katembeya made the announcement on Saturday (October 4) during Muntu’s campaign rally in Kabura town, Rwampara district.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Ankole region PFF coordinator, who is also contesting for the Mbarara city mayoral seat, said their decision to back Muntu followed a consultative meeting among PFF leaders in the region.

PFF leaders from Ankole region paying allegiance to ANT's Muntu. (Credit: Stuart Yiga)

“I am the governor of this region, which comprises 13 districts. We decided to support General Muntu in this cause. That is why you are seeing me with his team,” said Katembeya.

Flanked by several foot soldiers, some contesting for various local positions, he later echoed the same message when handed the microphone. He argued that with their icon, Col (Rtd) Dr Kizza Besigye effectively out of the race, their natural choice was the former army commander.

As the rally wound up, Muntu reciprocated the gesture, urging residents to vote for PFF candidates in areas where ANT had none.

“Even though I am a candidate of the Alliance for National Transformation, we have a working relationship with our comrades in the People’s Front for Freedom. In fact, their leader in Ankole, Mr Stanley Katembeya, is here. He is contesting for the Mbarara City mayorship. I know there are people from Mwiizi who vote in Mbarara,” said Muntu.

The same commitment was made by both parties at other campaign stops in Kabatanagi, Bugamba, Nyeihanga and Kinoni, all within Rwampara district.

In early July this year, the Katonga-based PFF, led by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and ANT, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The agreement, inked at Hotel Africana in Kampala, included, among other things, the possibility of fielding joint candidates at all levels. A plan that was to be studied by the Common Ground Council.

Although the agreement has yet to be actualised, in rallies across Mitooma and Rubirizi districts, several PFF supporters have openly declared their intention to back Muntu.

ANT's Maj.Gen. (Rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu addresding a campaign rally Rwampara district. (Credit: Stuart Yiga)

Some, like Vincent Ndyanabo, even claimed to have mobilised signatures for his presidential nomination.

Ndyanabo, together with Mweteise Bintabara, the ANT Ankole region coordinator publicly disclosed this during a rally held at Nyakasharu playground, Bunyaruguru county in Rubirizi on Friday.

However, to many who have followed Ndyanabo, backing Muntu did not come as a surprise.

Ndyanabo and Muntu still share fond memories from the time when they were both members of the Najjanankumbi-based Forum for Democratic Change (FDC). This was before they took different directions.

Muntu quit the party to form his own.