The leader of the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), Mugisha Muntu has critisised former presidential candidate John Katumba of fabricating a story about a photo taken with him.
On Tuesday, Katumba shared a photo featuring himself, Muntu, and former legislator Kasiano Wadri. In his caption, Katumba claimed that the picture had been taken after a discussion with the two about important political collaborations.
“It was an honor meeting with Mugisha Muntu and Hon Wadiri Our discussions emphasized a critical truth: Power is nothing without unity. Together, we must prioritize collective effort to achieve a stronger, more united Uganda,” Katumba wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
In response, Muntu refuted Katumba’s claims, stating that there was no such conversation. He explained that Katumba had simply requested a photo with him and Wadri as they were leaving a hotel lobby, and that no discussions took place.
“We seem to be living in interesting times. John, we bumped into each other as you were entering and we were exiting a hotel lobby. You asked for a photo and we gladly obliged as we do to all who ask. If you would like us having any chat we can have one as we do to all who ask,” Muntu remarked.
Muntu and Katumba were both presidential candidates in the 2021 elections, which were won by President Museveni.
The Electoral Commission declared Incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, the winner with 59% of the votes.
Muntu, running on the ANT ticket, received 67,574 votes, while Katumba, running as an Independent, received 37,554 votes, both losing the election.
On the other side, Wadri lost the Arua Municipality seat to Jackson Atima in the 2021 elections. This year, he told the Nile Post that he plans to return to reclaim his seat in Parliament in 2026.