ADJUMANI, December 4, 2025 — The Alliance for National Transformation [ANT] presidential candidate, Gregory Mugisha Muntu, has said that for the West Nile Subregion and other regions of Uganda to achieve meaningful transformation, the country must attain sustained economic growth of at least 10 to 12 percent annually.
He argued that reviving cooperative societies, promoting agro industrialisation and tourism is part of his party’s agenda to deliver socio-economic transformation in the country.
“We intend to re-establish support for cooperatives and revive the Cooperative Bank to strengthen agricultural credit. This can be done either through commercial banks or by establishing a dedicated agricultural bank focused exclusively on supporting farmers,” Muntu said.
Muntu who is in West Nile on the campaign trail explained to the journalists in Adjumani district that prioritising agricultural financing, agro-processing and tourism would uplift nearly 70 percent of Uganda’s population, most of whom depend on agriculture.
Agro-processing, he added, would not only provide a stable market for farmers’ produce but also stimulate job creation and expand the economy.
“A vibrant agro-processing sector increases economic activity, supports industrial expansion and ultimately creates more employment opportunities. With discipline and consistency, these interventions can pull the population out of poverty,” he said.
Turning to tourism, he noted that the sector remains largely underutilised despite its vast potential, particularly in the West Nile region. He cited the navigable stretch of the River Nile from Murchison Falls to Dufile, where, he said, investment has been minimal.
He called for comprehensive feasibility studies conducted by tourism experts to guide strategic investment. Key priorities, he said, should include improving the road network along both sides of the Nile from Pakwach to Dufile to attract private investment in hotels, water transport and related services. Expanding access to clean water and electricity would also make the region more appealing to tourists.
“The wetlands along this stretch host numerous bird species, and Uganda is home to 20 percent of the world’s bird population. There are bird lovers across the globe who would happily visit such areas if the infrastructure and facilities were developed,” he said.
He added that once tourism is fully exploited, it would create new markets for local producers and spur broader economic development.
Muntu also pledged to prioritise refugee management in the West Nile region, which continues to host large numbers of displaced people, should he assume power.
Emmanuel Barigo, a tourism expert said the West Nile is strategically located and has the potential to generate employment for many jobless youth and graduates once its road network challenges are resolved.
Barigo noted that the region is endowed with numerous attractions, including the stretch of the River Nile from Pakwach to Moyo, the Zoka Central Forest Reserve, home to unique bird species, and the Kei Mountain range, among others.
“We are already working on some of these issues. West Nile has many tourism features, but what we need now is an improved road network to fully operationalise the region,” Barigo said.
Muntu is running against Robert Kyagulanyi of the National Unity Platform [NUP], Nathan Nandala Mafabi of the Forum for Democratic Change [FDC], and Yoweri Museveni of the ruling National Resistance Movement [NRM], among others who want to be elected the next president of Uganda come January 15, 2026.
https://thecooperator.news/ants-mugisha-muntu-agriculture-neglected-by-musevenis-government/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
