Muntu starts campaign

Jan 21, 2010

MAJOR Gen Mugisha Muntu yesterday launched his presidential bid for the 2011 election as his supporters danced.

By Barbara Among
MAJOR Gen Mugisha Muntu yesterday launched his presidential bid for the 2011 election as his supporters danced.

The crowd was mainly composed of the youth, who described Muntu as “energetic, young and an honest leader for Uganda”.

Muntu is contesting against Col. Kizza Besigye, the head of the Forum for Democratic Change, for the chance to stand for president next year.

Muntu delivered his speech in his characteristic soft but tough tone.

The candidates have three months to woo delegates to their side. In 2008, he unsuccessfully contested for the party’s presidency against Besigye who is expected to launch his campaign today.

Present at Muntu’s rally was former East African Community secretary general and FDC vice-chairman Amanya Mushega, Maj. John Kazoora, opposition chief whip Kassiano Wadri and many MPs. Also present were youth leaders from the Democratic Party and the Uganda Peoples Congress.

The 300-capacity main hall of Pope Paul Memorial Hotel, where the meeting took place, was full.

Introducing Muntu, the master of ceremonies described Muntu as a selfless leader.

In his speech, Muntu portrayed himself as the fresh face of the political campaign and a candidate who would unite Ugandans.

If elected, Muntu promised “an honest and responsible leadership that reflects the aspiration of the people of Uganda”.

He decried what he called a dying health system, the poor standard of education and high level of poverty.

He also condemned corruption, saying it “has eaten to the core of our politics”.

“Enough is enough, nabikoowa (I am fed up); let all rise up and fight for our country,” he said, drawing applause.

He challenged Ugandans to come out and vote for a leader who would end the biting poverty, boost agriculture and fix the economy.

“This campaign is not about us, it is about our children, about their future, about the future of this country,” he said.

The retired army general promised to rid the country of military influence and to build public institutions.

Muntu avoided direct attack on Besigye. Saying that “Besigye has tremendously sacrificed for this country and we appreciate that,” Muntu added though that “we should not fear change and change is inevitable.”

Who is Muntu?
Muntu was born in October 1958 at Kitunga village, Ntungamo district, to the late Enock Ruzima Muntuyera and Aida Matama Muntuyera. He had an affluent childhood as his father was a strong UPC government functionary and close friend of former president Apollo Milton Obote.

He attended Mbarara Junior School, Kitunga Primary and Kitunga High School, later renamed Muntuyera High School. Muntu went on to graduate in political science from Makerere University.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});