Muntu promises to rebuild Uganda’s broken systems
Kampala, Uganda – The Electoral Commission (EC) on Wednesday officially nominated former army commander and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) leader Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Gregory Mugisha Muntu Oyera as a candidate for the 2026 presidential election.
The ceremony, presided over by EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama, confirmed Muntu’s nomination after verifying his papers and declaring that he had met the requirements under the Presidential Elections Act.
“You walked in an aspirant, now you are moving out as a candidate,” Justice Byabakama said, handing Muntu a nomination certificate, voter register, security detail, and campaign vehicle as required by law. He also reminded the candidate to appoint an official agent, submit a campaign schedule, and sign an MoU on harmonized campaign guidelines.
“Seeds Sown, Time to Harvest”
In his remarks to the press, Muntu thanked his supporters and acknowledged the challenges faced during the nomination process, which required gathering signatures from across districts.
“We’ve gone through some hurdles, but that is now water under the bridge. In 2021, we participated to sow seeds. If it’s God’s will, this time will be a time of harvest,” Muntu said.
He praised Ugandans from various political backgrounds who supported ANT’s nomination bid, noting that his party is increasingly recognized as one committed to institution-building and restoring systems that have “broken down.”
Uganda at 63: “Stuck in a Vicious Cycle”
Muntu compared Uganda’s 63 years of independence to the stages of human growth, lamenting that the country remains “stuck in a vicious cycle” instead of maturing.
“A country at 63 should not be operating as if we are still in our teenage years,” he argued. “We are endowed with fertile soils, minerals, and water resources, yet poverty persists. That is a reflection of sheer irresponsibility on the part of the political class.”
Muntu criticized decades of governance failures, including those of the current administration, describing Uganda as a “broken country” with compromised institutions and systems.
“Retire Museveni peacefully”
Taking direct aim at President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, Muntu urged citizens to bring his leadership to an end.
“General Museveni cannot take this country any further beyond where we are now. Every moment he stays in office, the country sinks deeper into problems. I ask Ugandans to retire him peacefully this time around,” Muntu declared.
He condemned what he called the “commercialization of politics,” citing NRM primaries in Kololo where delegates were “bought like goats in a market.”
“Any extension of Museveni’s rule is simply Ugandans choosing to be led by goats,” Muntu remarked, drawing applause from his supporters.
Justice as the Foundation of Peace
Muntu pushed back against the government’s narrative that peace equals absence of war.
“Peace is not the absence of war. Peace is the presence of justice. Without justice, everything else is quicksand,” he said, promising that his leadership would prioritize fairness in courts, policing, and governance.
He also called for the release of Dr. Kizza Besigye, whom he said has been detained beyond the lawful bail period, alongside other political prisoners, including young activists from the National Unity Platform (NUP).
“If a prominent political leader can be treated this way, what about ordinary citizens with no connections? We must build systems where everyone, including the president, is accountable under the law,” Muntu insisted.
Defense and development
Responding to questions on Uganda’s large defense budget, Muntu, himself a former army commander, argued for reducing military expenditure in favor of social services.
“When you build peace within and across the region, you logically reduce the defense budget. That money should go to education, health, and agriculture,” he said.
Still, Muntu emphasized the importance of a “professional, well-motivated, and disciplined security force” free from repression, arguing that true security stems from public trust rather than military might.
Call to “Remnants” of hope
Muntu concluded by appealing to Ugandans who still believe in a better future.
“Leadership is critical. The country rises or falls depending on the quality of its leaders. Even if I never become president, if I can help build a political vehicle that transforms this country, I will go to heaven as happy as if I had been president,” he said.
Describing ANT as a “values-driven” movement, Muntu called on Ugandans not to give up: “Wherever you are, don’t keep quiet. If you want a better future, we are here. We are a solution.”
