The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) leadership set off for Iganga from the Kampala in the wee hours of the morning. The lavish landscape of the region matched enthusiastic and passionate ANT coordinators and persons who engaged in the 2021 electoral processes and the elected councillors. On 8th April 2020, ANT commissioned the participants as mobilisers in Busoga region at Mother Kevina Hall.
Participants engaged in candid conversations with the leadership team. The overall discussion reflected on party structures, the regional electoral performance, challenges, nomination fees, finances, women’s agency, youth agency, and the need for leadership skill-based trainings.
During the introduction and agenda setting remarks, Hon. Alaso thanked the candidates that contended for elective positions for lighting the ANT bulb in the region. Present at the workshop were 10 successful candidates, which called for celebration and the party’s commitment to leadership capacity building.
Regarding building structures, the readiness of ANT in Bugweri was a great inspiration to all the ANT members present. Here, the wave of virtuous leadership that is part of ANT’s transformation agenda bridged theory and practice. The district structures have been established to parish level and the district also registered great success in the youth elective positions. This impressive work is what ANT would like to emulate across the country.
Presidential candidate, Gen. Mugisha Muntu reinstated that quality leadership is the only way to help Uganda to a transformative status. He added that, “The fuel that moves people and ideas is the will to get things done.”
The growth in Busoga is a clear example of ANT’s commitment to quality leadership and members showed a determination to serve their communities.
Mugisha Muntu also commended the participants for their commitment to a value-based system and the building of structures. “If we continue to be true to what we say, we remain to be the people standing between the holistic revival of the country and the current practice of the regime that is disastrous.” He cautioned the leaders not to despise the day of small beginnings, emphasizing the need for continuity and members’ volunteerism.
Also present at the workshop was Mr. John Mary Odoy, from the Citizens' Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU), who commended ANT for the steps taken in establishing a strategic plan as he made his presentation on the just concluded election cycle. Chairman Basakana Hannington, the chairperson of Emeritus Jinja District Local Government shared his reflections in the local government, including the challenges the party experienced and the task ahead for elected and aspiring leaders.
Mr. Bala David Bwiruka, the Education Institutions coordinator emphasised the need for continued youth agency while Amb. Edith Grace Sempala presented on women’s agency, reiterating the 40% requirement for women’s inclusion at all levels of ANT structures.
Members committed to a collective way forward focused on a value-based leadership and to strengthen all structures including the party’s electoral structure at the district level.
Also present was the Diaspora Coordinator, Grace Atuhaire whose work in keeping the diaspora community informed and engaged in ANT activities and processes remains important to building a strong ANT community across the globe. Uganda is for all Ugandans.