Muntu Seals Nomination for 2026 Presidential Contest

The Electoral Commission has nominated Rt. Gen. Gregory Mugisha Muntu, the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential flag bearer, to contest in the January 2026 general election. 

Muntu arrived at the nomination venue in Lubowa shortly after midday. Electoral officials immediately ushered him into the nomination tent, where commissioners and observers were waiting.

ANT Secretary General Alice Alaso nominated him, while former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kizza and Kassiano Wadri seconded his bid. Other party members accompanied him. EC officials scrutinized his forms, academic qualifications, passport photographs, proof of payment of the 20 million Shillings nomination fee, and other required documents before declaring him duly nominated.

“We are satisfied that he has met the criteria spelt out under the Presidential Elections Act. Accordingly, being the returning officer of the presidential nominations, I declare Mugisha Gregory Muntu Oyera as a duly nominated candidate for the 2026 presidential election,” said EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama. On Monday, ANT submitted thousands of additional voter signatures after the EC flagged gaps in its September 8 filings. Out of the 98 districts submitted, only 48 met the threshold of at least 100 verified signatures per district. 

ANT responded with signatures from 60 districts, 10 more than required, which secured Muntu’s clearance for nomination. Byabakama tasked Muntu to appoint an official agent to coordinate his campaign meetings and media programs and to submit a full campaign schedule for harmonization with other candidates. He also directed him to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Commission on compliance with campaign programs and timelines.

The Commission provided Muntu with a security vehicle and 16 Counter-Terrorism police officers to guard him during the campaign period, which starts on September 29, 2025. The security team will also provide round-the-clock protection at his residence. After his nomination, Muntu told the media that he would prioritize building systems that serve all Ugandans, adding that his leadership would usher in “a season of harvest” for the country.

Muntu is the fifth candidate the EC has nominated for the 2026 elections. The others are President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of the NRM, Nathan Nandala Mafabi of FDC, Joseph Mabirizi of the Conservative Party, and Robert Kasibante of the National Peasants Party. The Commission is set to nominate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu of the National Unity Platform at 2:00 pm this afternoon.