The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, congratulated the recently appointed Assistant RDCs and RCCs upon their new appointment by the President and informed the Vice President that during the training, the participants proved that they loved their country and were committed to contributing to its national development.
She also revealed that the office of the President with permission from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni recruited the Assistant RDCs and RCCs to bridge the staffing gap that existed in the Office of the President.
“This problem was quite disturbing to the Presidency to the extent that the RDCs , in the face of staff gaps, were recruiting unauthorised personnel in office,” she said.
Furthermore, Hon. Babalanda urged the commissioners to endeavour to understand and appreciate the vision of the Appointing Authority for the establishment of the Office of the RDC and they should read the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Local Government Act (as amended) as well as familiarise themselves with the roles of the Office of the RDC so that they are able to effectively execute their mandate.
The Minister also cautioned the Assistant RDCs and RCCs against corruption, warning that culprits will be prosecuted and sacked from office.
“You should be our ambassadors in the field. Endeavour to leave a mark in whatever work you do in this office. Emulate the district administrators and central government representatives of the past like Robinah Kasada,Fred Mukisa , Abbey Mukwaya, Clement Kandole among others who left an unmatched legacy of commitment and patriotism and were corrupt-free and result oriented,” she said.
“You, as young cadres, need to work and excel so that you are spotted for higher postings. You should avoid being so ambitious, such as immediately wanting to contest in 2026. You should concentrate on building a foundation for your future for at least 10 years so you can gain experience in leadership. You need to know that a number of successful ministers today are former RDCs.”
Hon. Babalanda on the other hand informed the trainees that they are chief mobilisers of government in their respective districts and cities.
“As your immediate supervisor I wish to officially inform you that the NRM government under the leadership of Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will seek re-election in 2026. Therefore, I am flagging you off to start mobilising for our government through popularisation of government policies, undertaking service delivery audits and fighting corruption etc. This will greatly contribute to 2026,” she said.
“Therefore, you should stop asking invalid questions. There is no leadership vacuum in the NRM. Mzee Museveni will stand in 2026. What you need to do is to just go ahead and mobilise for his candidature. You will not have broken any laws by doing this.”
The Minister also tasked the commissioners to take charge of media mobilisation to counter propaganda of detractors.
“You should take advantage of the government’s free airtime on radio, TV and Social-Media to dominate the airwaves. You are reminded that the media can build or even destroy our country. A lot of development has happened in the country but surprisingly very few Ugandans appreciate it or even know about it. This is partly caused by failure to popularise it, sensitize the masses and counter lies and propaganda especially through the media,” Hon. Babalanda noted.
“You are reminded not to undermine your immediate supervisors, the RDCs/RCCs/Deputies who are mandated to supervise you. Overstepping your supervisors is insubordination under the Public Service Regulations and can lead to your early exit.”
