Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) 2021 presidential candidate Maj Gen (Rtd) Gregg Mugisha Muntu has said he desires to see incumbent Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni as a guest at his inauguration.
Muntu is one of the 10 opposition candidates seeking to end Museveni’s almost four decades at the helm.
Muntu was among the fighters on the five-year bush war that propelled Museveni to power in 1986.
In his inaugural speech, Museveni diagnosed the problem of Africa as leaders who overstay in power.
Yet 34 years down the road, Museveni is seeking to extend his rule to four decades.
Now, Muntu has expressed optimism that Ugandans have a chance to make history by voting for the first peaceful transition of power since Independence.
Muntu has summed his campaign meetings in Kwania, Kole and Lira as touching on power handover and unfulfilled pledges.
“Everywhere we went, the sentiments were the same: it’s time for change.
Because of 58 years of broken promises and a regime that has lost all sense of moral direction, some Ugandans have stopped believing in the possibility of a government that works for, of and by the people. For them, the upcoming elections are an exercise in futility,” Muntu said.
Muntu assured Ugandans it was possible to exploit Uganda’s resources to transform lives.
“All humans are born equal. There is nothing other people on this planet are doing that we cannot do or achieve ourselves. We must take this truth to heart and never allow anyone or anything make us feel less human than anyone else,” noted the ANT leader.
“If anything, Ugandans are endowed with all they need to achieve our dreams. From untold natural resources to an ingenuity that is unmatched globally, we truly are the Pearl of Africa.”
On power transition, Muntu explained that he was aware Museveni rigs elections but talked of the possibility of overwhelming him if the voter turnout is high.
“We have never had a peaceful transfer of power, but that only means we have the opportunity to be the first Ugandans to do so. Yes, the regime has previously rigged itself into office and the playing field is uneven, but that only means tht we must be more determined this time,” continued muntu.
“We must all go vote. And if we all do, we will retire Gen. Museveni and provide the space we need to move forward as a country.”
As far as Muntu is concerned there is a possibility of Museveni attending his successor’s inauguration.
“We would like to see Gen. Museveni safe, healthy and retired. We would like him to attend his successor’s inauguration. But more than that, we would like to see Uganda released from the bondage of mediocrity that has plagued us for years due to politics aimed more at regime survival than national progress,” he said.
“And if you all show up at the polls and let your voices be heard, we are sure that not only will I preside over the next government as your president, but that we shall together resolve the problems we face, unleash our potential and transform our nation.”
