By KT Reporter
Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in the Karamoja sub-region have been cautioned to stay away from local politics and instead focus on their core mandate of promoting peace, security, and effective service delivery.
The call was made during a three-day capacity-building retreat held at Mt. Moroto Hotel, attended by RDCs, Deputy RDCs, District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), Assistant RDCs, and other technical officers from across the region.
Fred Bamwiine, Commissioner in charge of the RDC Secretariat for Karamoja, reminded the participants that civil servants should not involve themselves in partisan politics. He urged RDCs to rally support only for President Yoweri Museveni and avoid aligning with local political candidates, warning that doing so compromises their neutrality and responsibilities.
Bamwiine further revealed that his office has already received reports of some RDCs showing open support for political aspirants in their areas, which he said undermines their official role.
He emphasized the need for logistical support, including tyres and additional vehicles, to enable RDCs to fulfill their duties efficiently.
Representing the Secretary in the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, Sadat Kisuyi, Assistant Commissioner for Finance and Planning, stressed the RDCs’ role in ensuring efficient service delivery, monitoring project implementation, and addressing bottlenecks in development sectors such as health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure. Kakande tasked RDCs to promote transparency and accountability, and to engage local communities to understand their needs and concerns.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. (Rtd) Kibrai Ambako, Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Mobilization, raised concern about corruption, poverty, laziness, and disease, which he identified as the major security threats undermining government programmes. He accused some project implementers of mismanaging government funds, particularly in road maintenance, with no proper accountability, despite oversight by RDCs.
Cue out:…where was the DISO”.// In response, several RDCs expressed frustrations over challenges they face, including a lack of transportation, political interference, and security threats. Peter Abrahams Lokwii, Assistant RDC for Kotido, revealed that he had been threatened and molested in public after arresting high-profile officials for misusing Emyooga funds. He said their efforts to curb corruption are often undermined by political interference.
Justin Tuko, Deputy RDC for Moroto, reported that his vehicle tyres have not been replaced since 2023, making it difficult to access remote areas, especially given the rugged terrain and poor roads.
Sr. Dr. Mary Grace Akiror, Deputy Head of the RDC Secretariat, urged commissioners to operate within the law and to remain firm in executing their roles without intimidation. She assured them of government protection, adding that any RDC accused of wrongdoing would be investigated fairly. //Cue in: ‘Submissions and those-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
