By Watchdog Uganda Reporter
Mukono, Uganda – The Minister for the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Budiope West Constituency, Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, has directed Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), Deputy RDCs/RCCs, Regional Internal Security Officers (RISOs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), and their assistants in the Buganda Sub-region to shift their focus from politics to service delivery and wealth creation.
Speaking on Friday while closing a three-day capacity-building workshop at Collins Hotel in Mukono, Babalanda emphasized that the government’s “Kisanja of No More Sleep” agenda is a policy directive aimed at improving service delivery, rather than a political slogan.
The Minister commended the officers for their contribution to the recently concluded General Elections, saying their mobilisation, vigilance and coordination played a significant role in improving the performance of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Buganda and securing President Yoweri Museveni’s victory.
“Now that the elections are behind us, your attention must shift to delivering services to wananchi and ensuring government programmes achieve their intended impact,” she said.
Babalanda advised officers to ignore speculation surrounding appointments, stressing that such matters rest solely with the appointing authority.
“Your responsibility is to remain focused on your assignment. Hard work, discipline and measurable performance are what determine your future,” she said.
Focus on Results
The Minister outlined President Museveni’s expectations for RDCs and intelligence officers, saying they must remain visible within their communities, respond promptly to emerging challenges, closely monitor government programmes and provide timely, accurate reports to guide decision-making.
She also tasked them with strengthening security coordination, combating corruption without fear or favour, and ensuring that government interventions translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
According to Babalanda, these responsibilities have become even more critical as Uganda implements the Fourth National Development Plan (NDP IV), the NRM Manifesto, Uganda Vision 2040 and the government’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, all of which aim to accelerate industrialisation, value addition, export growth, job creation and household income.
“The RDC institution is indispensable in ensuring these programmes deliver results,” she said.
She added that government is shifting its focus from promises to measurable outcomes, noting that citizens now expect visible improvements in livelihoods, public services and economic opportunities.
“The ‘Kisanja of No More Sleep’ requires greater vigilance in monitoring government projects, quicker response to citizens’ concerns, stronger action against corruption and more effective coordination of service delivery,” she emphasized.
Wealth Creation and Accountability
Babalanda urged the officers to take the lead in implementing wealth creation initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and Operation Wealth Creation with transparency and accountability.
She stressed that success should not be measured by the amount of money disbursed but by the number of households lifted out of poverty, young people engaged in productive enterprises and communities participating in the money economy.
In Buganda, where government has made significant investments in infrastructure, industrialisation and urban development, she said expectations are even higher.
The Minister noted that the region possesses enormous potential in commercial agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism and trade, warning that corruption, complacency and poor supervision must not be allowed to undermine government programmes.
She reminded RDCs and DISOs that they represent the Presidency and must remain visible, proactive and results-oriented.
“Good leadership begins with good information. The Presidency relies on your reports to guide policy decisions and resource allocation,” she said.
Peace and Security Remain Key
Babalanda further underscored the importance of maintaining peace and security, saying economic development cannot thrive in an unstable environment.
“Investors require confidence, farmers require secure markets, and communities need peaceful conditions in which to work and prosper,” she said, urging officers to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and local leaders.
Participants Pledge Commitment
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Kampala Metropolitan East Regional Internal Security Officer (RISO), Mr. Kazoora, thanked Babalanda and the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, for maintaining cordial working relations with intelligence officers.
He congratulated the Minister on her election as Member of Parliament for Budiope West and her reappointment as Minister for the Presidency, pledging the officers’ continued commitment to fighting corruption, monitoring government programmes and supporting the government’s development agenda.
The workshop concluded with Babalanda urging the officers to serve with integrity, discipline and humility.
“You represent the Presidency. You are the face of government in your respective districts. Your conduct, decisions and performance shape public confidence in government,” she said.
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