Muntu pledges to revive tea sector, fight corruption
The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate, Rtd Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, has pledged to revitalise Uganda’s struggling tea industry if elected in the forthcoming general elections.
Addressing supporters in Kyenjojo district on Friday, Muntu said restoring the tea sector would be among his top priorities, arguing that Uganda’s tea should command competitive prices on the East African auction market, just like that of Kenya and Rwanda.
He said the current government has turned a deaf ear to the issues affecting ordinary Ugandans, especially those in agriculture, yet agriculture is the backbone of this country.
He lamented the decline of a once-vibrant tea sector that provided steady income to farmers across Kyenjojo, Tooro, and western Uganda, noting that the industry has been crippled by low prices, poor management, and a lack of government support.
Muntu observed that several tea factories are now grappling with delayed payments, obsolete machinery, and high production costs, pushing many farmers to abandon tea growing altogether.
He said the government must invest in better regulation, market access, and value addition so that tea farmers can compete both regionally and internationally. Turning to governance, the former army commander renewed his vow to fight corruption, describing it as “the single greatest obstacle to Uganda’s development.”
“There is massive corruption because the current leadership shields the corrupt. Government loses huge sums that could be used to work on roads, pay teachers, or buy drugs for hospitals,” Muntu said.
He promised leadership anchored in integrity, transparency, and accountability, assuring Ugandans of a government that listens to citizens, supports farmers, and promotes equitable national development.
Muntu began his campaign trail in the Tooro sub-region from Kyegegwa district, where he reiterated his call for accountable leadership and balanced economic growth. At the rallies, residents voiced their expectations and frustrations.
Obed Matsiko, a trader from Kyegegwa, urged Muntu to address the burden of high taxes that stifle small businesses, while Fred Muhumuza from Kyenjojo decried the poor road network that limits farmers’ access to markets.
Alice Karungi, another resident, appealed to the ANT leader to prioritise maternal health, reliable drug supply, improved infrastructure, and youth employment once in office. Muntu assured supporters that his government would focus on empowering citizens through fair governance and a productive economy built on honesty and service.
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