ANT's presidential candidate Maj.Gen (Rtd) Gregory Mugisha Muntu addressing his supporters. (Photos by Yiga Stuart)

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The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate Maj. Gen. (rtd) Mugisha Muntu has pledged to invest in internal security and military intelligence to end the threat posed by panga-wielding gangs that have caused panic among citizens.

Muntu, while addressing a campaign rally at Wakimese zone, Kyengera town council in Wakiso district on Sunday (November 2), assured residents that he would tackle the insecurity that has claimed many lives.

"Insecurity by panga-wielding gangs has been a song in this country while President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni boasts of ensuring tight security and peace," he said.

He noted that such insecurity has persisted in Kyengera, Nansana, Makindye, and recently in Kasese district, adding that it must come to an end.

"Under my government, I will increase the budget for internal security and beef up military intelligence, which has failed its work," he suggested.

Muntu said it is regrettable that Uganda maintains peace and security in other countries yet struggles to guarantee the same for its citizens.

"It is very sad for Uganda to keep peace and security in other countries and boast about it, but fail to end internal insecurity, which keeps the public in panic all the time.

I fought for peace and security in Uganda, and that's why you need to vote leaders who have the capacity to protect you and your property," he recalled.

"Ladies and gentlemen, leadership matters are serious matters of life and death, and that's why you need to vote leaders who have experience.

Vote Muntu because I follow the truth. If I was a person who follows numbers like many Ugandans have been doing, I would never have deviated from my father's Uganda Peoples' Congress (UPC)," he appealed.

"Trust in Muntu because if I was following numbers, I would not have left the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government that I fought for," Muntu insisted.

An area resident, Moureen Asiimwe, revealed that Kyengera has lost over five people due to insecurity since the year began.

Funding for new cities, municipalities and town councils

Responding to community concerns over poor roads, undeveloped markets and unemployment, Muntu pledged to increase funding for newly created administrative areas.

"Creating new cities, municipalities, and town councils was a result of political pressure, but poor service delivery in these administrative units is caused by poor funding. I will increase the budget and arrest the corrupt," he promised.

Nabaziza market vendors speak out

Edita Natuhwera, a matooke vendor, decried the poor roads leading to their facility, inadequate drainage systems and poor garbage collection in the area.

"We need Muntu to assure us how he will construct us a market because the government has failed."

Sylivia Nakibuule, a retail trader, asked Muntu’s government to revise market dues and taxes.

"We need the prices of trading licences reduced. I ask the government to avail us soft loans to boost our businesses," she suggested.

PFF boosts Muntu campaign with visibility

Led by Joan Nabatanzi, supporters of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) joined Muntu’s campaign, strengthening their political alliance during the election season.

"We come here to fight land grabbing, end political abductions and call for the release of Dr Col (rtd) Kiiza Besigye," Nabatanzi said.