The Secretary in the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, has urged Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and other public servants to take a proactive approach to monitoring government programs. He warned them against waiting for problems to escalate before taking action. Hajji Kakande emphasized that RDCs have significant responsibilities, including monitoring government programs and projects, to ensure public resources are properly utilized and services reach their intended beneficiaries.
Hajji Kakande made these remarks while officiating at the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop for RDCs/RCCs, Deputy RDCs/RCCs, Assistant RDCs/RCCs, Regional Internal Security Officer (RISO), and District Internal Security Officers (DISOs) from the Greater Masaka sub-region. The workshop, held at Solo Hites Hotel in Masaka City, aims to enhance the capacity of RDCs to effectively execute their constitutional and administrative responsibilities.
Hajji Kakande told the participants that the current government term requires greater focus, accountability, and results. He urged them to avoid superficial reporting and ensure emerging problems are identified and addressed before they develop into crises. The Secretary in the Office of the President emphasized that the people of Greater Masaka need government institutions that work, protect government resources, and ensure effective service delivery.
Hajji Kakande commended RDCs and security officers for their role during the recent elections, which enabled President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and other NRM flag bearers to emerge victorious. However, he said the political season had now ended and urged the commissioners to shift their focus to service delivery, development, peace, and socio-economic transformation.
On the Parish Development Model (PDM), Hajji Kakande cautioned RDCs against directly distributing funds, saying their role is to monitor the process and ensure that resources reach the intended beneficiaries. He tasked the commissioners with taking a firm stand against corruption while cautioning them against making accusations based on rumors or unverified information.
Hajji Kakande also challenged the commissioners to support efforts to increase agricultural productivity, particularly by encouraging farmers to embrace modern farming methods such as irrigation. He urged RDCs to work with local governments to ensure young people acquire practical skills in areas such as agriculture and value addition, tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), and other sectors with employment opportunities.
The Head of the RDC Secretariat, Maj. Martha Asiimwe, said the three-day workshop was organized to enhance the capacity of RDCs, RCCs, their deputies, and assistants to effectively execute their constitutional and administrative responsibilities. She noted that the workshop would provide an opportunity for the commissioners to review their performance, strengthen leadership and teamwork, and improve oversight of government programs.
Key points
- Hajji Kakande urges RDCs to be proactive in monitoring government programs.
- The workshop aims to enhance the capacity of RDCs to effectively execute their responsibilities.
- Hajji Kakande cautions RDCs against directly distributing PDM funds.
