'We are dying of poverty,' 30 former RDCs petition Museveni, citing abrupt dismissals

More than 30 former RDCs, including Eric Sakwa, who was acquitted, have submitted a petition to President Museveni, seeking his intervention after being abruptly dropped or reshuffled from their positions.

They claim to be facing significant financial hardships and a sense of alienation within their communities.

The petition appeals to the president to provide them with a "resettlement package," as promised.

One of the former RDC stated, "RDC, RCC, and deputies have repeatedly reminded you of the promised resettlement package, but our pleas have gone unanswered. We humbly request an audience with you, Your Excellency."

They express their belief that their appointing authority will receive their message.

Eric Sakwa, a former Jinja RDC, explains that the court determined he was falsely accused by land grabbers, who achieved their objectives. Consequently, he lost his job and was unjustly imprisoned.

Sakwa asserts that during his tenure, he diligently fulfilled his duties and was targeted with fabricated charges, resulting in his dismissal.

He implores the president, as the father of the nation, to address their plight, stating, "We are in dire need of your assistance."

Sakwa reveals that he was reappointed to the Kalilo district, with various media outlets reporting the news.

However, when he inquired about his appointment letter at the office, he was informed it was a falsehood.

"My appointment was deliberately withheld," he claims.

According to Sakwa, opposing land grabbers often leads to their retaliatory efforts to remove individuals who do not cooperate.

He asserts that what transpired in Jinja was not a fair legal process but rather persecution, as he was falsely accused due to his stance against corruption and land grabbing.

In April 2020, Sakwa, then serving as Jinja RDC, faced allegations of using excessive force while implementing presidential guidelines for containing the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prosecution claimed that Sakwa, along with his alleged accomplices, unlawfully caused the death of Charles Isanga, a local businessman, and stole various items.

However, he was acquitted of all three charges, including manslaughter.