Maj Gen (rtd) Mugisha Muntu, the presidential candidate for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), has unveiled plans to revive Uganda’s agricultural extension services if he is voted into office in 2026.
Speaking during campaign rallies in Serere and Soroti districts yesterday, Gen Muntu lamented the plight of smallholder farmers, who he said are exploited by middlemen due to the collapse of cooperative movements that once protected their interests.
‘The farmers, who make up over 70 percent of our workforce, find themselves in a vulnerable position where they cannot negotiate fair prices for seeds, pesticides, and their produce,’ he said.
Gen Muntu said ANT has a deliberate plan to strengthen extension infrastructure across the country.
He added that this would enable cooperatives to provide credit to farmers for purchasing inputs like pesticides and seeds, reducing their dependence on exploitative intermediaries.
‘That is what we are promising the people. We want to heavily invest in education and health,’ he said, adding that a healthy and skilled population is critical for sustainable development. He emphasised that his vision for Uganda is one of inclusive development, where all citizens live in peace and unity, rather than fostering divisions fuelled by emotional or regional ego. The two-time presidential candidate also highlighted the challenges farmers face due to poor road infrastructure, which keeps the prices of their produce low.
Gen Muntu further addressed long-standing grievances in Teso, Lango, and Acholi sub-regions, particularly the issue of cattle compensation. He assured the people of Teso that compensation and livestock restocking will be part of ANT’s development agenda.
‘This is essential for making Teso prosperous while we also grow other regions of the country,’ he said. On employment, Gen Muntu criticised the lack of job opportunities and the prevalence of corruption in hiring processes, adding that bribes are often required to secure positions. According to the Uganda National Household Survey 2022/23, the national unemployment rate stood at 3.5 percent.