Bugweri/Namayingo – Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate Major General (Rtd) Mugisha Muntu has cautioned residents of Bugweri and Namayingo districts that Uganda’s recently discovered rare earth mineral deposits risk becoming a “resource curse” if governance and accountability are not prioritised.
Speaking during campaign rallies on January 4, 2026, in Igombe and Buniokano in Makuutu Sub County, Bugweri, and in Madowa and Namayingo town council, Gen. Muntu emphasised that the wealth beneath Busoga soil should benefit local communities first.
“This country is rich and has the capacity to empower all sectors, but rampant corruption remains the main challenge. The President has done all he can; what remains is beyond his control,” he said.
He warned that without strong and transparent institutions, mineral exploitation could deepen poverty and inequality rather than drive development. Gen. Muntu urged residents to insist on leadership that is disciplined, principled, and accountable, and to ensure that locals have a stake in companies extracting their resources.
“Our focus should be on building governance structures that guarantee equitable distribution and long-term benefits for communities, rather than allowing populist politics or corruption to determine outcomes,” he said.
Muntu’s remarks form part of his ongoing nationwide tour ahead of the January 15, 2026, general elections, where he has continued to focus on anti-corruption, institutional reform, and inclusive development. His visits to Busoga—historically a competitive electoral region—sought to engage moderate voters disillusioned with both the ruling NRM and confrontational opposition figures.
No major incidents were reported during the rallies, which drew modest but attentive crowds. As of January 5, 2026, no prominent responses from political rivals have been issued regarding Gen. Muntu’s comments.
