Peace Without Justice is Empty, Says Muntu at Nomination
KAMPALA, Uganda — September 24, 2025
Retired Major General Mugisha Muntu, the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential flag bearer, has used his nomination platform to deliver a firm message that Uganda can never achieve lasting peace without justice and respect for freedoms.
Speaking shortly after being duly nominated by the Electoral Commission to contest in the 2026 general election, Muntu stressed that peace should not be mistaken for the mere absence of war. Instead, he argued, it must be rooted in fairness, equality, and the consistent application of the law.
> “Peace without justice is like building a house on quicksand. You may have security forces, the army, the police, and intelligence services, but if there is no justice for the people, the foundation is weak and unsustainable,” Muntu told cheering supporters.
Criticizes Detention Without Trial
Muntu condemned what he called the misuse of state power against political opponents, citing the prolonged detention of opposition leaders such as Dr. Kizza Besigye and activists from the National Unity Platform (NUP). He argued that holding suspects indefinitely without trial amounts to persecution, not justice.
> “If anyone has committed a crime, let the evidence be taken before court. If not, set them free. Otherwise, you are undermining freedom itself,” he said, warning that such practices erode public trust in institutions.
Broken Institutions and Impunity
The former army commander painted a grim picture of Uganda’s governance systems, which he said have been weakened by corruption, impunity, and over-centralization of power. He stressed that no leader, including the president, should ever stand above the law.
> “Our institutions are deeply broken. We must repair them so that justice is not at the mercy of who is in power. Leadership should serve people, not oppress them,” he said.
Call for Peaceful Change
While urging Ugandans to demand accountability, Muntu called for a peaceful transition of power through the ballot box. He appealed to voters to retire President Yoweri Museveni after nearly four decades in office, warning that fear and intimidation cannot guarantee stability.
> “Power is temporary. What endures is the wellbeing of citizens, the protection of freedoms, and a system that works for all,” he declared.
A Long-Term Political Vision
Responding to skeptics who argue that the electoral system is skewed in favor of the incumbent, Muntu reaffirmed his commitment to a long-term strategy. He said his candidacy is not about short-term wins but about laying the groundwork for a just and democratic Uganda.
> “We know the challenges in our politics. But we are patient, principled, and determined to build a country where leadership is based on values, not coercion. That is the Uganda we must hand over to future generations,” Muntu emphasized.
Focus on Human Development
Muntu also criticized government obsession with infrastructure figures and statistics while neglecting the wellbeing of ordinary Ugandans. He vowed that an ANT government would prioritize health, education, and dignity for citizens.
Analysis:
Muntu’s message combines a strong critique of the ruling NRM’s governance record with a pledge to pursue peaceful change. By anchoring his campaign on peace through justice, he seeks to draw a sharp contrast between authoritarian stability and a more people-centered leadership model.
