The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) presidential candidate, Rtd Maj. Gen. Gregory Mugisha Muntu has urged the people of the Acholi region to use their vast land wisely to spur development.
He advised that the opportunity of vast land in Acholi may not last forever as Uganda’s population continues to grow rapidly.
Speaking to residents in Kitgum at Mon Bunyu Market on Friday evening, Muntu described the levels of poverty in Uganda as “frightening” despite the country’s abundant natural wealth.
He, however, said that unlike tribes in other regions that are densely populated, the population in Acholi is still low, with some families still possessing more than 10 acres of land, a critical factor of production.
“Families here still sit on 10, 15, or even 20 acres. In Ankole, Toro, and Buganda, families survive on one acre or less. That makes it harder for them to escape poverty. But here, you still have room to grow.”
“Once it [land] is put to good use with backup of good plans and a government that is supporting, you will be lifted out of poverty through your own effort in a very short period of time,” Muntu said.
Muntu advised the Acholi to build their capital using their vast land by constructing houses, small-scale industries, and engaging in agro-processing. This way, by the time the land becomes scarce, they would already have a secure capital and income base, thereby achieving sustainable wealth.
He, however, warned that the opportunity is temporary because Uganda’s population is increasing and will reach 100 million in a few years.
“By the time we hit 100 million people, your landholding per family is also going to be as little as in the south. You are also going to find yourself sitting on one and a half acres if you don’t make the right choices,” he said.
On corruption, Muntu said the commercialization of politics is among the main causes of corruption because people use a lot of money to get to positions of power, and recover the money by stealing when elected.
“Today, to become an MP or a mayor, you must have millions. Talented young people who want to lead are forced to steal to raise campaign money. When they enter politics as thieves, they cannot lead with honesty,” he warned.
He added that another grim effect of corruption is seen in the poor quality of roads. Muntu cited the unfulfilled promise of the Kitgum–Palabek–Lokung–Padibe road, a 60-kilometer stretch that has been pending for 25 years, as an example of how corruption has stalled development.
According to Muntu, Uganda loses about 2 billion US dollars every year through corruption, which could be used to build good roads across the country.
“If that money were saved, we could build 33 such roads every year, or 166 roads in five years,” he said. Muntu called for a political culture rooted in integrity and justice. “The country has been crushed by corruption. People’s spirits are broken. We must rebuild our dignity and ensure everyone is equal before the law,” he said.
He appealed to the Acholi people to support leaders with clean records who can restore fairness and trust in government. Muntu urged the people to vote for any other candidate any than Museveni, if they do not want to vote for him (Muntu).
“Those who won’t vote for me, look for anybody else among the seven candidates, but don’t vote for Museveni, please. He really has become the major problem now for the country,” he said.
Muntu, who once worked with Museveni, revealed that they pleaded with Museveni to retire when he still had the respect of the population, but he resisted and instead facilitated the amendment of the constitution to suit his interests.“He [Museveni] simply lacked the courage to let go. And now, nobody knows exactly where the country is going. He doesn’t know, nobody knows.”
***URN***