Muntu Slams 'Messy' Presidential Polls, Advocates Grassroots Change

Gen. Mugisha Muntu, the leader of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), has voiced strong criticism regarding the integrity of the recent presidential election. Speaking to ANT coordinators and candidates in Kabale, Muntu characterized the electoral process as a “mess,” asserting that it was compromised by deception and manipulation from those in power.

He lamented that such practices have been a persistent issue in Uganda’s political history and expressed disappointment that the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has not learned from past experiences. Official results from the election showed incumbent President Yoweri Museveni winning, with Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) securing the second position. Gen. Muntu himself received a small fraction of the votes.

Despite his reservations about widespread voter bribery and manipulation, Gen. Muntu stated that he would not be challenging the results in court due to a perceived lack of sufficient evidence for a successful legal challenge. Instead, the former army commander is focusing the ANT’s strategy on a long-term, grassroots approach.

The party is currently engaged in a nationwide program to train and deploy specialized polling agents. These agents are intended to be equipped to counter future electoral malpractices effectively. Muntu highlighted that this training initiative has already covered several regions, including Teso, Buganda, and West Nile, with plans to continue in other areas.

Gen. Muntu concluded his address by emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in ensuring a peaceful transition of power. He warned that continued impunity would hinder Uganda’s development and urged both leaders and ordinary citizens to work together towards genuine political change.

This information is based on reporting from the Daily Monitor.