Minister for the Presidency, Babirye Milly Babalanda, has cautioned Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) against misusing their offices and straying from their mandates. She reminded them to remain accountable to the Office of the President and avoid being influenced by political actors.
“RDCs do not take orders from politicians. Following this path leads to costly mistakes,” Babalanda emphasized during the closing of a three-day capacity-building workshop for RDCs, RCCs, and security officers in Soroti City.
She condemned the recent actions of a Katakwi RDC who allegedly ordered the wrongful imprisonment of Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL) staff, including a mother with an infant, without proper investigations. “As RDCs, you are not police. Use the police for arrests. Missteps like these tarnish the image of the President’s office,” Babalanda said, adding that the RDC in question is under investigation.
The Minister also lauded RDCs adhering to accountability and fostering teamwork. She urged them to stay vigilant against corruption, stating, “We are champions of a corrupt-free Uganda. If caught in corrupt acts, you will face the law as any other Ugandan.”
Babalanda tasked the RDCs to focus on security during the festive season, cautioning against divisive politics. “Some of you are already taking sides in Teso politics. This will not be tolerated,” she warned.
She reaffirmed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s intention to run in the 2026 elections, urging RDCs to intensify efforts to monitor government programs while mobilizing support for socio-economic transformation initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Former Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Daudi Migereko, emphasized the importance of mobilizing communities to embrace government programs and align with the President’s message of transformation. “Mobilization is key to achieving your goals. Equip yourself with tools like the Constitution, NRM Manifesto, and development plans to guide your work,” Migereko advised.
Deputy ISO Director General Col. Emmy Katabazi urged the commissioners to study societal dynamics and contribute effectively to government initiatives. “Leadership requires deliberate preparation. Mobilize Ugandans to benefit from programs like PDM, or risk losing your roles,” Katabazi said.
The workshop highlighted the importance of accountability, security, and effective mobilization in fulfilling the commissioners’ mandates.
