President Museveni warns RDCs and RCCs against abandoning official duties for elective politics.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has issued a stern warning to Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) against abandoning their official duties to pursue elective politics. The directive, communicated through the Office of the Presidency, comes amid concerns over the poor electoral performance of former RDCs who resigned to contest in recent elections.
Presidential Secretary Hajji Yunus Kakande delivered the President's message during a four-day emergency capacity-building workshop for RDCs, RCCs, and security agencies in the Busoga sub-region. The workshop, held at the Source of the Nile Hotel in Jinja, aims to enhance the efficiency of these officials as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections.
Hajji Kakande emphasised that RDCs must refrain from vying for political positions, noting that over 31 RDCs who resigned to contest elections faced defeat. He stated unequivocally that those who resigned would not be reinstated after losing their bids.
Instead, RDCs were urged to focus on promoting government programs and mobilising support for President Museveni's re-election campaign. The warning follows widespread election violence during recent NRM primaries, prompting the need for improved coordination among security and administrative officials.
Richard Gulume Balyaino, RCC for Jinja City, described the workshop as timely, expressing confidence in its outcomes. Meanwhile, Hon. Florence Mutyabule, Senior Presidential Advisor on Poverty Alleviation in Busoga, challenged RDCs to prioritise poverty eradication initiatives to bolster the President's support in the region.
Some attendees highlighted operational challenges, including undue interference from higher authorities, particularly during elections. These concerns underscore the delicate balance RDCs must maintain between administrative duties and political expectations.
The workshop signals the government's push to streamline local governance and ensure stability ahead of the 2026 polls, with Busoga—a key political battleground—receiving focused attention.
