Former army commander and seasoned opposition leader Gen. Gregory Mugisha Muntu has been formally nominated as a presidential candidate in Uganda’s 2026 general elections, becoming the fourth contender to officially enter the race.
Muntu, who leads the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), appeared at the Electoral Commission headquarters in Kampala early Thursday morning, where he completed the nomination process. His candidacy adds further weight to an increasingly competitive contest that pits long-serving President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in power since 1986, against a coalition of opposition challengers.
He now joins Museveni, businessman Elton Joseph Mabirizi, and Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) flag bearer Nathan Nandala Mafabi on the ballot. More nominations, including that of National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), are expected before the process closes.
Muntu is not new to Uganda’s political spotlight. A former Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), he later transitioned into opposition politics, serving as president of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) before breaking away to form ANT in 2019. Known for his soft-spoken demeanor and disciplined leadership style, he has consistently positioned himself as a politician driven by principle rather than populism.
Analysts note that Muntu’s entry strengthens the credibility of Uganda’s opposition, given his reputation for integrity and his ability to appeal to moderate voters disillusioned by both the ruling party and more radical opposition figures.
While Muntu has yet to outline his full campaign platform, his past messaging has focused on institutional reforms, transparency in governance, and rebuilding trust between citizens and the state. His candidacy is expected to resonate with voters seeking a calm but firm alternative to President Museveni’s decades-long rule.
The official campaign period begins on September 29, setting the stage for a high-stakes election in January 2026 that could redefine Uganda’s political trajectory.
