At the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja City, a strategic call echoed across the conference hall as Hajji Yunus Kakande addressed a gathering of Busoga’s top security and administrative officials. With the 2026 general elections approaching, the Secretary in the Office of the President had one clear message: "President Museveni must win Busoga by a landslide."
Kakande’s rallying cry came during a three-day capacity-building workshop for Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), their deputies, RISOs, and DISOs. The session aimed to refocus the government's field representatives on effective service delivery, national unity, and political mobilization.
“We know H.E the President is going to win the coming elections,” said Hajji Kakande. “But what we want is a landslide victory in Busoga. You must be the first to defend the gains Busoga has made under the NRM.”
His remarks were triggered by the ruling party’s declining popularity in the region, despite its strong political presence. In the 2021 general election, President Museveni's support in Busoga fell below expectations—less than 40 percent—despite the National Resistance Movement (NRM) boasting 41 out of the region’s 44 Members of Parliament.
Kakande challenged the RDCs to ensure visible service delivery and community engagement to win back public trust. “Take lessons from the recent NRM party primaries. They were the mock exams. Now ensure that the general elections are peaceful with no violence,” he said.
As the chief security officers in their districts, he reminded them to work closely with District Police Commanders to maintain peace during the election season. “Get information early and take action. If you suspect a group intends to cause chaos, arrest them before the damage is done,” Kakande emphasized.
But Kakande’s message extended beyond electioneering. He urged RDCs to be content in their roles and avoid being lured into elective politics. “As a young person with a good job, why do you want to join politics? Politics should be for old people like us,” he said. “Do your work and don’t throw back the President’s trust.”
He called on the leaders to familiarize themselves with government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), to better guide the public and ensure inclusive implementation.
“You are change agents in your districts. But to be one, you must be knowledgeable, and to be knowledgeable, you must read widely,” Kakande advised.
Concerning Busoga’s economic challenges, he encouraged a shift from sugarcane monoculture to high-value crops such as coffee, citing better income potential and market stability. “Coffee never loses market. Let’s improve household incomes and food security by encouraging crop diversification and value addition,” he said.
Environmental conservation was also on the agenda. Kakande urged the RDCs to enforce regulations against wetland encroachment and poor land use. “Use the law to fight environmental degradation. It disrupts the ecosystem and undermines sustainable development,” he said.
Kakande condemned the growing disunity among Busoga leaders. He warned that internal divisions, especially within NRM ranks, were undermining service delivery and regional progress. “Disunity weakens your bargaining power. We must stop using politics to divide communities,” he said. “Instead, use leadership to inspire and unite.”
The Deputy Head of the RDC Secretariat, Sr. Grace Akiror, outlined the objectives of the workshop, emphasizing the importance of keeping RDCs well-informed. “This workshop is to equip you with relevant skills and to remind you of your core responsibilities. You must be smart and ready to serve the people,” she said.
Richard Gulume, RCC for Jinja City and NRM whip in Busoga Sub-region, pledged commitment to the cause. “We have the manpower and no excuse for underperformance. We are going to deliver,” he affirmed.
As the workshop continues, the message from the top remains clear: deliver services, maintain peace, and secure an overwhelming win for President Museveni in Busoga.
