Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, the Minister for the Presidency, has warned Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), their deputies and assistants, as well as Regional and District Internal Security Officers (RISOs and DISOs) from the Rwenzori sub-region to shun corruption and strengthen service delivery.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, at Kalya Courts Hotel in Fort Portal City, during the closure of a three-day capacity building retreat that began on September 29, Babalanda said corruption undermines public trust and development, cautioning officers that those caught in malpractice will face the full force of the law.
“As district leaders, you should take the lead in championing a corrupt-free country. Some of you, after involving yourselves in corrupt practices, you rush to politicians thinking they will protect you. That practice will not be entertained,” she told them.
The Minister reminded the officers that under Article 203 of the Constitution, RDCs are mandated to monitor government programmes and projects, adding that monthly reports are the backbone of accountability and called out those who fail to file them.
“If you don’t submit these reports, you deny both yourself and your area key interventions. We rely on them to assess your performance and to inform ministries and agencies on where to intervene,” she explained.
The Minister commended commissioners who consistently file reports, adding that compliance reflects discipline and seriousness in public service.
Babalanda stressed the importance of security in the Rwenzori region, noting that its proximity to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a country that has experienced instability. She reminded RDCs and DISOs that as chairpersons of district security committees, they must remain vigilant against possible cross-border threats.
“There could be criminals entering the country who may pose a danger to our security. I urge you to strongly team up and map strategies for securing your areas,” Babalanda said, further emphasizing that intelligence must be acted upon promptly, since delays could create space for insecurity.
With the political season in place already, Babalanda urged the commissioners to resist manipulation by self-seeking political actors and instead stay focused on their constitutional duties.
“You are not supervised by politicians and neither do you take orders from them,” she warned, adding that failure to abide by the guidance would lead them into costly mistakes. She also noted that President Yoweri Museveni, who was nominated on September 23 as the NRM’s presidential flagbearer for 2026–2031, counts on their mobilization to secure continued support in the region.
The Minister called on RDCs to mobilize communities by showcasing government achievements, which she said reflect the NRM’s track record. She encouraged them to use media, particularly radio, to reach wider audiences.
“You should not keep silent when people are denied services. You have the information the public needs. Share it widely,” she urged. Babalanda also reminded them of the 2013 presidential directive that all government projects be commissioned by RDCs, saying failure to comply would no longer be tolerated.
She warned commissioners against misuse of office and corruption, noting that integrity, teamwork, and impartiality are the foundations of effective leadership.
“I thank those of you who are listening to our continuous advice and have adjusted your working environments to allow for accountable decision-making and cordial relationships,” Babalanda complemented.
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