The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, has warned Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) across the country against abandoning their official duties to serve as political assistants for local politicians.
Babalanda said many commissioners have strayed from their mandate of representing the President, monitoring government programs, and supervising service delivery, and instead act as mobilizers for politicians who shield them from transfers.
“Many of you have turned political assistants for politicians instead of working for President Museveni. Some of you, when we try to transfer you, we get calls from politicians saying you are good mobilizers. But you are appointed to do the President’s job,” she cautioned.
The minister was speaking in Hoima during the close of a three-day training for RDCs, RCCs, and intelligence officers from the Bunyoro sub-region, held ahead of the election season.
She also cautioned commissioners against engaging in land deals and corruption, warning that those found culpable would not be shielded.
“It’s very common here in Bunyoro—RDCs and RCCs taking part in land transactions. I have many reports. Stand warned,” she said.
Babalanda further urged commissioners to popularize government achievements, rally support for the President, and identify key challenges in their districts to be addressed by the central government.
She emphasized their role in driving programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to lift people out of poverty.
The event was also addressed by former Lands Minister Daudi Migereko, who urged commissioners to form reconciliation committees to address internal conflicts and work closely with religious, cultural, and opinion leaders.
Major Martha Asiimwe, head of the RDC Secretariat, said the training had equipped commissioners with skills in security, conflict resolution, program monitoring, and mobilization, with a target of delivering 80% support for President Museveni and the NRM.
Some participants, including Godwin Angalia (Kikuube RDC) and Robert Kanusu (Hoima City West RCC), said they were energized and committed to mobilizing for the President and NRM flag bearers in the coming elections.