"Building Grassroots structures" has been the core strategy for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) since its inception, with Gen Mugisha Muntu at the forefront of championing this ideology.
The emphasis on grassroots engagement was a primary reason for Muntu's departure from the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), which he perceived as being more focused on defiance than on community-based development.
In analysis of the progress of the grassroots strategy, the Nile Post delved into its strengths and shortcomings, questioning whether ANT has made strides in fulfilling its party dream.
Gen Mugisha Muntu, recalling the challenges faced in implementing this approach, pointed out a significant hurdle: the disconnect between leaders' words and actions.
"We encounter challenges of mindset, where leaders say one thing but do another," Muntu remarked while emphasizing the inconsistency which hinders the effectiveness of the grassroots approach.
Alice Alaso, ANT National Coordinator, acknowledged the toughness of promoting grassroots engagement, particularly in a political landscape where instant gratification and quick answers are often sought.
"Humans want quick results, but our politics is rooted in responsible value-based principles," Alaso asserted, underscoring the need for perseverance and commitment to their ideology.
Muntu's vision for the party lies in building grassroots structures that will outlast the current leadership and ensure the party's survival. However, some critics, like Prof Kiiza, question the effectiveness of Muntu's previous efforts as FDC president, casting doubt on whether ANT's current structures are visible.
Muntu defended their progress as a party, pointing to successful district-level leadership in places like Terego, Kamwenge, and Isingiro, attributing these successes to the presence of well-established grassroots structures.
ANT's decision not to field candidates in several by-elections is closely tied to their commitment to maintaining meaningful grassroots presence.
Muntu explained that they refrained from contesting elections in areas where they lack strong structures, as they don't want to participate merely for the sake of presence. The party emphasized the importance of selling ideas to the electorate and having credible candidates, even in the face of electoral challenges.
However, the lack of adequate resources has hindered ANT's ability to build party structures effectively. This dearth of structures has resulted in no parliamentary representation or presence at the district level, raising questions about Muntu's strategy for aspiring to the country's highest office.
The departure of notable figures, such as Mwiru, has also raised concerns about the party's cohesion and internal dynamics. ANT admits that they were taken aback by Mwiru's departure, indicating possible challenges in maintaining a united front.
In response to such departures, Muntu remains undeterred, reaffirming ANT's commitment to spreading their message of grassroots engagement.
"When those who don't understand the level of patience required leave, we will keep preaching our message until it sinks," Muntu declared.
As the Alliance for National Transformation continues its journey, they face both triumphs and tribulations in their pursuit of meaningful grassroots structures.
The party's success in the long term will depend on how effectively they address their shortcomings and adapt their strategy to meet the evolving political landscape.