I will empower you to fight your household poverty, Muntu tells Ntungamo residents

NTUNGAMO - Presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu has assured Ntungamo district residents that he will empower them to fight household poverty if elected president on January 15, next year.

Muntu, who is the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) flag-bearer, made the pledge during a campaign rally at Nyamunuuka trading centre, Kajara county in Ntungamo district on December 21, 2025, where he outlined his plans to revitalise Uganda's economy and improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

“We will empower you to fight poverty, not just by giving you handouts, but by creating opportunities for you to earn a decent living,” Muntu said. 

Muntu promised to prioritise the rehabilitation of the Ntungamo district feeder roads and the expansion of the electricity grid to rural areas. (All Photos by Isaac Nuwagaba)

“We will invest in agriculture, industry and tourism to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.”

My problem with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Museveni is creating a corrupt system that has created a vulnerable population which has lost its souls due to rampant commercialisation of politics, he added.

“Where leaders are selling themselves out in Parliament as if they are goats to weaken the people they represent. Many of you end up being corrupt because of the money they receive during the campaign period,” Muntu observed.

Muntu's campaign in Ntungamo focused on the theme of "Empowerment and Prosperity," with a promise to address the root causes of poverty in the district. He highlighted the importance of agriculture, citing the potential for increased production and value addition in the sector.

“We will ensure that farmers have access to markets, credit, and technology to improve their productivity and incomes,” Muntu added, “We will also promote agro-processing and manufacturing to add value to our products and create employment opportunities.”
Muntu also emphasised the need for improved infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water supply, to support economic development in Ntungamo.

He promised to prioritise the rehabilitation of the Ntungamo district feeder roads and the expansion of the electricity grid to rural areas.

The ANT candidate also assured Ntungamo residents of his commitment to improving healthcare and education in the district. He promised to increase funding for health centres and schools and to provide free education and healthcare to all Ugandans.

“We will prioritise the welfare of our people, and ensure that every Ugandan has access to quality education and healthcare,” Muntu promised.

“We will also promote vocational training and skills development to equip our youth with the skills needed to succeed in the job market."

No difference between NRM and the UPC that I fought

Tough-talking Muntu drew parallels between NRM and the Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC) government, which he fought in the bush at the age of 23 years when he was even the son of former UPC chairperson for Western Uganda, Enock Muntuyera.

Muntu sparked controversy by stating that there is no difference between NRM and UPC in terms of commercialisation of politics, corruption and election rigging.

Muntu, who fought alongside President Museveni in the 1980s against the UPC government led by President Milton Obote, said his decision to join the bush war was motivated by the UPC's alleged rigging of the 1981 elections. Ironically, Muntu's father, Enoc Muntuyera, was the Chairperson of the UPC party, a position that put him at odds with his son's rebellion.

“The UPC and NRM are one and the same when it comes to commercialising politics, corruption, and rigging elections,” Muntu said. 

“I fought against UPC because of these very issues, and today I see the same practices continuing under the NRM.”

However, New Vision Online could not independently verify some of the claims, though according to public reports, the country loses close to shillings 10 trillion every year due to corruption. There were also reports of commercialisation of politics during the party primaries ahead of the 2026 General Election campaigns.

Muntu's comments highlight the complexities of Uganda's political history, with many politicians having switched allegiances over the years. The ANT candidate emphasised the need for a new approach to politics, one that prioritises the welfare of Ugandans over personal interests.

“I am not afraid to speak the truth, even if it means going against my former comrades,” Muntu said. “The people of Uganda deserve better, and I will fight for a government that is accountable, transparent, and just until I die.”