Muntu rallies Bushenyi for historic change of government

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The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate, Maj. Gen. (rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu has rallied voters in Bushenyi to vote in large numbers for what he described as a historic change in Uganda’s government, dating back to 1962.

Muntu, who appealed to citizens to participate in the elections as a sign of mature politics, emphasised that the country is at a crossroads and that the 2026 polls are crucial to Uganda’s future.

Speaking at a campaign rally at Kashenyi trading centre in Ishaka division, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality, Muntu criticised the current government’s handling of the economy, citing widespread poverty and unemployment.

“I promised to prioritise job creation, improve infrastructure, and enhance service delivery if elected. As usual, the support you had given to the Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC) government under former president, Apollo Milton Obote and later to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) should be transferred to me with all the signs of failure you have tested for the last 40 years,” Muntu said.

“Should we remain in a state where security services are feared or respected? Do we remain with the state where sh11 trillion is lost to corruption every year? Are we going to remain in Uganda, where there are no drugs? The choice has to be made on Thursday,” he reminded supporters.

Muntu said the election presents an opportunity for Ugandans to influence the direction of governance, citing the country’s history of political instability and military takeovers since independence.

“For the last 36 years, Uganda has been surviving on probability regarding the change of top leadership. You have supported President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for many years, and you can now tell the difference of what has been achieved in 40 years because of our vast resources, but with unchecked corruption,” Muntu observed.

He urged voters to reject the status quo and demand accountable leadership, pledging to fight corruption and promote transparency in government.

The ANT candidate’s message resonated with several residents in Bushenyi, many of whom expressed frustration with unfulfilled political promises. “We are tired of empty promises,” said voter Gustus Guma Gumisiriza. “Muntu's vision for Uganda's future is what we need.”

Muntu pledges support for Banyankore Kweterana Cooperative Union

Addressing residents at Kassana trading centre in Bumbaire subcounty, Bushenyi district, Muntu pledged to revive the Banyankore Kweterana Cooperative Union in a bid to boost agricultural production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

He emphasised the importance of restoring cooperative structures and reviving the Cooperative Bank to enhance access to agricultural credit and strengthen rural economies.

“We intend to re-establish support for cooperatives and revive the Cooperative Bank to strengthen agricultural credit,” Muntu said.

The Banyankore Kweterana Cooperative Union, once a thriving institution, faced challenges in recent years, including mismanagement and inadequate funding. However, with government compensation amounting to sh9.5 billion, the union has since cleared its debts and strengthened its coffee operations.

Muntu pledged to renew the union’s fair-trade certification, rebrand its operations and restore partnerships to improve management systems and accountability.

Muntu seeks funds for polling agents

With only four days remaining to the polls, Muntu said he was seeking sh500 million to facilitate polling agents across 50,000 polling stations nationwide.

The Electoral Commission has stated that only duly appointed polling agents and authorised observers are legally permitted at polling stations during voting and counting.

Muntu appealed to political volunteers and well-wishers to support what he described as a struggle for accountable governance, urging citizens to invest time and resources in safeguarding their vote.

“Where will I get sh10,000 to pay 50,000 polling agents? He asked. “I did not steal the money to pay you when I was still in office, and that’s why I am calling upon well-wishers to come and guard their vote because it is their only hope,”

The ruling National Resistance Movement has clarified that its vote protection exercise is limited to safeguarding votes cast for President Museveni and does not extend to parliamentary or other party candidates.