Gulu Resident Criticizes PM Nabbanja Over RDC Transfers Dispute

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja recently stirred controversy when she challenged the authority of Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda over the transfer of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs). In a strongly worded letter to Babalanda, Nabbanja insisted that the minister had acted beyond her mandate by effecting RDC transfers without the President’s explicit approval.

While the Presidency has remained silent on the matter, public reactions continue to surface. One of the latest responses comes from a concerned citizen, Komakech Abdul, a member of the Ugandan Convention of Human Rights Council. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister on February 5, Komakech argues that it is Nabbanja, not Babalanda, who has overstepped her authority by challenging the minister’s actions. He maintains that Babalanda was simply executing her duties in accordance with her ministerial mandate.

Although the Prime Minister oversees all ministers, the Office of the Presidency operates directly under the President’s authority. Komakech’s letter emphasizes that while the President appoints RDCs, the responsibility of managing their performance and supervising their duties falls under the minister’s jurisdiction as a delegated authority of the President. He cites Article 99(5) of the Constitution, which grants the President the power to delegate executive functions to ministers.

Komakech also references the landmark case Uganda vs. Amos Mugisha, where a judge upheld a minister’s power to act under delegated presidential authority, reinforcing the argument that Babalanda’s actions were lawful.

Sources indicate that Nabbanja’s letter was prompted by recent RDC transfers, notably Major David Matovu’s move from Kakumiro to Buikwe and Lt. Saleh Kamba’s transfer from Nakasongola.

Minister Babalanda has been widely credited for introducing reforms that have enhanced the efficiency and accountability of RDCs. Her tenure has seen increased supervision, regular training, and performance assessments, contributing to the effectiveness of the President’s representatives in various districts. Additionally, under her leadership, the welfare of RDCs has improved through better workspaces, operational tools, vehicles, and enhanced allowances.

The dispute between the two senior government officials raises important questions about ministerial roles and the extent of delegated authority within the executive structure. However, as the debate continues, the Presidency’s stance remains unclear.