By Ritah Atukwatse,
KAMPALA
Former army commander and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) president, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu, has been officially nominated by his party to contest in the upcoming 2026 presidential elections.
Muntu returned his nomination forms on Friday (July 25), submitted all necessary documentation, and confirmed payment of the UGX 1 million nomination fee.
He also confirmed that the Uganda National Examinations Board (UNEB) had officially verified his academic credentials, clearing any doubts about his eligibility to run for the presidency.
Addressing journalists shortly after his nomination, Muntu expressed deep concern over Uganda’s political environment, describing it as “complex, violent, and riddled with selfish interests,” particularly within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). He cited the recent NRM primaries for parliamentary seats as chaotic and disorganized.
“The primaries were messy and violent. Most people just go to NRM for positions, they don’t even believe in it. When people are weak, the country is weak. But when the people are strong, the country is strong,” Muntu said.
According to the ANT Electoral Commission, over 10 aspirants have so far picked nomination forms for parliamentary and local government positions. The nomination window remains open, with July 27 set as the deadline for presidential candidates.
In addition to Muntu, other parliamentary aspirants under the ANT and opposition banner have also been nominated. These include Namuyaba Safina Sebagara for Makindye West and Bangi Fatuma for Busiro East Constituency, both of whom were successfully cleared and are now rallying support in their respective areas.
As the 2026–2031 electoral cycle approaches, Muntu has declared his readiness and determination to offer an alternative leadership model focused on unity, institutional reform, and strengthening the rule of law.
He also revealed plans to engage other opposition parties, including the National Unity Platform (NUP), to field joint candidates in a bid to unseat the ruling NRM.
