On Monday, 19 April 2021, the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) leadership team has traversed Kigezi, the nineth subregion in the ongoing post-election review process. The workshop was conducted at Heras Country Resort in Kabale.
The discussions focused on reviewing the 2021 general elections, pathways to a strong foundation at the grassroots, challenges with mobilizing during elections, analysis of the electoral performance, as well as charting a way forward in preparation for the 2026 general elections.
Representing the ANT National Coordinator, Hon. Alice Alaso, the Education Institutions Coordinator, Bala David Bwiruka shared about the party’s overall performance and the objectives of the electoral review workshop.
In attendance was the Presidential Candidate, Gen. Mugisha Muntu who informed members that in 2019, the party had embarked on building structures, but the process was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He assured members that the process would resume in July this year and every constituency would be visited by a team from the ANT.
He informed members that the building party structures contributes to the party’s overall objective to politics of the country; “to deal with the unscrupulous leadership that the country had suffered.”
He further pointed out that the problems of the country were because of both the leaders and the electorate who keep voting incompetent and corrupt leaders. He derided the current leadership for devaluing Ugandans and breaking their spirits. He stated that change is a constant but there is a need to prepare for that change when it occurs.
Mugisha Muntu challenged the members present saying, “How could you claim to transform the country when you have broken the spirits of Ugandans?”
He further stated that for ANT to take power, there is need to rebuild the confidence of Ugandans. “Restore confidence in the institutions by restoring fairness. Only a bold and confident population could effectively contribute to the economy,” Mugisha Muntu said.
He encouraged the participants that despite the challenges and tough situations, the party would succeed in the end.
Hon. Gerald Karuhanga was also present at the workshop and shared about his experience with the military in Ntungamo district. He corroborated the heavy security deployment and vote rigging among other issues that happened at different polling stations. He acknowledged that the party has a lot of support at the grassroots given the general perception due to the good reputation of the party leadership and the presidential flag bearer.
Hon. Karuhanga encouraged members to make their financial contributions to support the building process of a strong party. He also urged participants not to pay any mind to the intimidation from the current regime, pointing out that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
“Be of courage, there will be change and qualitative change. With the right strategy, it is possible to build roots that overwhelm any force,” Hon. Karuhanga said.
Hon. Karuhanga also requested every district to come up with a business plan that includes deliverables and time schedule to direct their activities.
In attendance were the ANT leadership including Mr. Julius Tindimwebwa, Coordinator of the Business community, Mr. John Mary Odoi, CCEDU, Chairman Basakana Hannington, the chairperson Emeritus of Jinja District Local Government, Amb. Edith Grace Sempala and the Diaspora and International Relations Coordinator, Grace Atuhaire.
The next meeting is scheduled for 20thApril 2021 in Mbarara for the Ankole subregion.