Gen Muntu Warns: Uganda Needs Deep Change, Not Just New Leaders

General Mugisha Muntu, who leads the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), has called on Ugandan leaders and citizens to face the country’s long-standing problems instead of ignoring them.

While speaking on NBS TV’s morning show, Muntu said Uganda is dealing with deep-rooted issues that have existed for many years, just like in other African nations. “These problems have been under the surface for a long time, but now they’re starting to show,” he said.

He warned that ignoring these basic issues will only lead to a national crisis. “If a country doesn’t fix its foundation, it will fall into trouble. And Uganda might be close to that point,” he added.

Muntu reminded people about Uganda’s darkest days under former president Idi Amin. “During Amin’s rule, things were at their worst. The current signs show we might be heading back in that direction,” he said.

He also spoke about how unfair the system has become, especially for ordinary people. He gave an example of parents who sell their land just to send their children to school, but in the end, their children struggle to get jobs. “In a fair country, a parent should believe their child can get a job based on merit, not on connections,” he said.

“We should not live in a country where someone needs a powerful uncle or aunt to succeed,” Muntu continued.

He believes Uganda must build a system that gives equal chances to everyone, no matter their background.

On the issue of leadership, Muntu said Ugandans need to think beyond just replacing President Museveni. “It’s not just about removing someone. We must ask ourselves—what kind of change do we really want? What are we moving from, and what are we moving to?” he asked.

He made it clear that changing leaders is not enough. “If changing leaders was the solution, Uganda would have developed a long time ago. We’ve had independence for over 60 years and have changed leaders before, but that alone hasn’t helped,” Muntu said.

He urged Ugandans to stop pretending that everything is okay and instead have honest conversations about the future. “The more we delay, the harder it will be when problems finally hit us,” he warned.