Gen. Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera, a former army commander and now the presidential flagbearer for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), was officially nominated by Uganda’s Electoral Commission on Wednesday to contest in the 2026 General Elections.
Muntu, who arrived at the Commission’s offices in Lubowa-Lweza, Wakiso District, alongside ANT national coordinator Alice Alaso, became the fifth candidate cleared to run. His nomination adds to a growing list of challengers to President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986.
Electoral Commission chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama announced the clearance after reviewing the required documents. “After verifying the aspirant’s papers, we have certified that he met all the criteria required for nomination,” Byabakama said. “You’re now a candidate, Mr Mugisha Muntu.” The declaration drew cheers from Muntu’s supporters gathered outside.
But the moment was not without controversy. On arrival, Muntu questioned the neutrality of the Commission, pointing to decorations that featured Museveni’s campaign posters on the premises. “The Commission must apply the law evenly,” Muntu said. “Any action that creates suspicion of bias undermines public confidence in this process.”
His concerns reflect a wider unease among opposition groups about transparency in the election process. Earlier in the week, ANT officials, joined by their allies from the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), staged a sit-in at the Commission offices. They were demanding answers over delays in the verification of supporters’ signatures required for nomination. By Tuesday evening, Muntu’s team had scrambled to collect additional endorsements before his papers were finally approved.
Muntu’s candidacy brings the confirmed list to five: President Museveni under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), John Elton Mabirizi of the Conservative Party (CP), Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party (NPP), Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), and now Muntu of ANT.
Political analysts say Muntu represents a more measured brand of opposition compared to other challengers, often stressing discipline and institutional reform over confrontation. His nomination, however, underscores the difficult path opposition figures continue to face in a political landscape long dominated by Museveni and millions of NRM supporters.
The Commission, for its part, insists it is acting within the law and treating candidates equally. Yet as Muntu’s words highlighted, even small signs of partiality — like posters on the walls — carry weight in a country where trust in electoral institutions remains fragile.
With campaigns now looming, Uganda’s 2026 elections are shaping up as another test of whether the system can deliver a level playing field.
