Muntu Could Fill Gap Left By Besigye in Newly Formed ANT

The Newly Formed Corporation Agreement between the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) and the People’s Front For Freedom (PFF) has received praise from political analysts with many seeing ANT’s Gen. Mugisha Muntu as a potential figure to fill the leadership gap left by Dr. Kizza Besigye, who is currently incarcerated and facing treason charges.

Despite a fallout that lead to the formation of two breakaway factions from the FDC, the members of the two parties have formed a coalition to front joint candidates in the upcoming 2026 General Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.

Counsel Elias Tumwebaze, A Political Analyst, argues that the alliance between ANT and PFF presents a strategic political manoeuvre aimed at addressing several political challenges in Uganda’s opposition landscape.

“Collisions in politics are inevitable and exist to help political entities understand their potential and limitations, and are a natural part of political development and collaboration,” said Tumwebaze.

“This is a very strategic alliance, and it has come at the right time. The alliance will fill the leadership vacuum, especially in PFF as they will be operating in the absence of their most influential political figure, Dr. Kizza Besigye, a position which would be filled in by ANT’s General Mugisha Muntu,” Tumwebaze added.

Tumwebaze also believes the alliance could boost both parties' support bases and improve public perception, especially given that both are still relatively new on the political scene.

“Given that both parties are relatively news parties, the newly formed coalition will help give both parties momentum, especially when it comes to mobilizing Ugandans throughout the country,” said Tumwebaze.

“When a party is new on the political scene, it takes a lot to make people learn of their existence and party ideology,” Tumwebaze added.

Nonetheless, Tumwebaze has urged the political parties to be vigilant, warning that alliances formed with groups harboring hidden agendas could be harmful. He stresses the importance of discretion and thorough evaluation before entering coalitions, to avoid being exploited by dubious actors seeking to weaken or undermine their partners.