Muntu promises ‘season of harvest’ for Ugandans

Retd Gen Gregory Mugisha Muntu, the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential flag bearer, was on Wednesday formally nominated to contest in Uganda’s January 2026 general election.

Muntu arrived at the Electoral Commission (EC) nomination grounds in Lubowa shortly after midday, where officials swiftly ushered him into the tent as commissioners, diplomats, and observers looked on.

ANT secretary general Alice Alaso presented his nomination, seconded by former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza and former Arua MP Kassiano Wadri, alongside other party leaders. EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama announced the clearance after verifying Muntu’s documents including academic credentials, triplicate nomination forms, passport photographs, and proof of payment of the Shs 20 million fee.

“We are satisfied that he has met the criteria spelt out under the Presidential Elections Act. Accordingly, I declare Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera a duly nominated candidate for the 2026 presidential election,” Byabakama declared.

The ANT team had spent Monday racing to bridge gaps in its endorsement signatures after the EC flagged shortfalls in its September 8 filings. Of the 98 districts initially submitted, only 48 met the minimum requirement of 100 verified signatures each.

The party responded with fresh endorsements from 60 districts—10 above the statutory threshold, securing Muntu’s place on the ballot. Byabakama directed Muntu to appoint an official campaign agent, submit a harmonised campaign schedule, and sign a memorandum of understanding committing to observe the EC’s timetable.

Like other candidates, he received a security vehicle and a 16-member Counter-Terrorism Police detail for round-the-clock protection once the campaign season opens on September 29, 2025.

Addressing reporters after his nomination, Muntu pledged to build strong national systems that “serve all Ugandans,” promising that his leadership would usher in “a season of harvest” for the country.

Muntu joined the presidential race alongside President Yoweri Museveni, National Unity Platform’s Robert Kyagulanyi, Forum for Democratic Change’s Nathan Nandala Mafabi, and National Peasants Party candidate Robert Kasibante.