FORT PORTAL CITY — The fight against corruption took center stage as Resident District and City Commissioners (RDCs/RCCs), their deputies assistants, and regional and district internal security organisation security officers were sternly warned or face the full weight of the law.
Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, didn’t mince her words as she addressed participants during the close of a high-level capacity-building workshop in Fort Portal City.
Held over three days and attended by RCCs, DRDCs, ARDCs, RISOs, and DISOs from across the Rwenzori sub-region, the workshop aimed to realign the leaders with their constitutional mandates ahead of a politically charged season.
“Some of you, after involving yourselves in corrupt practices, you rush to politicians thinking they will protect you. That practice will not be entertained,” Babalanda warned.
Referencing Article 203 of the Constitution, the Minister reminded RDCs that they are the state’s frontline monitors for government programs and service delivery.
“Monthly reports are the backbone of accountability,” she said, noting that filed reports trigger necessary interventions in your districts.”
She praised those already adhering to this responsibility, noting that “compliance reflects discipline and seriousness in public service.”
With Rwenzori sub region bordering the volatile eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Babalanda emphasized the importance of security vigilance.
She noted that that being thee chairpersons their district security committees, they should not take lightly the threats that may spill across ‘our borders’.
As the country gears up for a pivotal election season, Babalanda urged the commissioners to resist being dragged into partisan squabbles.
“You are not supervised by politicians and neither do you take orders from them,” she cautioned. “Failure to abide by this guidance will lead you into costly mistakes.”
Her remarks carried additional political weight following the September 23 nomination of President Yoweri Museveni as the NRM’s presidential flagbearer for the 2026–2031 term.
She noted that the President counts on the commissioners’ mobilization efforts to consolidate support across key regions.
“You must mobilize communities by showcasing what this government has achieved. That is your role, ensure the people know the progress made under NRM,” she emphasized.
The power of information
Babalanda also called on the commissioners to embrace mass communication tools, especially radio, to disseminate accurate government information and bridge the gap between state and citizen.
“You should not keep silent when people are denied services. You have the information the public needs. Share it widely,” she said.
She emphasized integrity, teamwork, and impartiality as foundations of effective leadership.
