Muntu says Uganda’s anti-corruption fight must target institutions, not individuals

Former military chief Mugisha Muntu addresses party members at the Catholic Social Centre in Mbarara City on May 26, 2026. PHOTO/COSLINE NAKAHIIRA.

Former presidential candidate and leader of the opposition Alliance for National Transformation [ANT] party, Rtd Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu, has said Uganda’s fight against corruption will fail unless the country strengthens institutions responsible for accountability and justice rather than selectively targeting individuals.

Speaking during a meeting with candidates and coordinators from the Ankole sub-region to review lessons from the recently concluded elections, Rtd Maj Gen Muntu said corruption in Uganda had become deeply entrenched and systemic, requiring broad institutional reforms.

Uganda loses more than Shs10 trillion annually to corruption, according to data from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), with watchdog agencies repeatedly warning that graft continues to undermine public service delivery and economic growth.

Gen Muntu said the recent corruption scandal involving former Speaker of Parliament Anita Annet Among would not produce meaningful change unless government addresses structural weaknesses within anti-corruption institutions.

“Corruption is systemic, it’s so deeply rooted. It’s even infiltrated the consciousness of the population and the country for that matter,” Rtd Maj Gen Muntu said.

“You cannot claim to be fighting corruption when you do it in a knee-jerk reaction and also use it in a discriminatory way. If you are going to systematically fight and eliminate corruption, you have to be indiscriminate. You must target anybody who is involved,” he added.

He argued that a genuine anti-corruption campaign should be reflected in increased funding and independence for institutions such as the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the Inspectorate of Government and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

“If you want to see any government which is serious in fighting corruption, see the funding that they put behind the institutions which fight corruption,” he said.

“Look at the manner in which they motivate those who will be in CID, the manner in which they recruit and train young men and women who are disciplined, who are incorruptible themselves. Then you look at the money they put into IGG, the prosecution department and the crackdown on loopholes within the judiciary,” he added.

Rtd Maj Gen Muntu warned that selective anti-corruption campaigns risk becoming political battles rather than genuine reform efforts.

“It’s amazing when you find the corrupt roasting the corrupt. They must be above it themselves and consistent. But if you find it is only individuals fighting themselves targeting each other, then forget ending corruption,” he said.

His remarks come amid mounting political scrutiny surrounding Ms Among, whose properties were recently searched by investigators over allegations of corruption, unexplained wealth and financial mismanagement. She has denied wrongdoing and maintains she is being politically targeted.

Rtd Maj Gen Muntu also urged ANT members to remain focused despite political setbacks and financial constraints, saying political transformation requires patience and resilience.

“Liberation does not just come. It only takes the brave ones, the ones who are hopeful beyond the distractions,” he said.

“I call upon all of you not to look at what seems to be breaking our agenda because it is us to shape the Uganda that we need to be in. Politics affect our everyday life, so let us keep moving. Remember what you sow is what you reap,” he added.

The ANT leadership said the ongoing post-election review meetings across the country would also serve as mobilisation drives after the party cited severe funding shortages during the recent electoral campaigns.

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