Minister Babalanda Closes Buganda Region RDC Workshop, Orders Shift from Politics to Service Delivery
Mukono, Uganda – The Minister for Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda, yesterday delivered closing remarks at a three-day capacity-building workshop for key government field officers at Collins Hotel, Mukono.
The workshop brought together Commissioners from the Office of the President, Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), Regional Internal Security Officers (RISOs), District Internal Security Officers (DISOs), and their Assistants from the Buganda sub-region.
Commendation for Election Performance
Hon. Babalanda began by commending the officers for their critical role in the recently concluded General Elections. She noted that their active participation, commitment, mobilisation, vigilance, and coordination significantly contributed to the improved performance of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Buganda and to the victory of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Shift Focus to Delivery and Wealth Creation
With the political season concluded, the Minister urged all officers to shift their focus entirely to service delivery, wealth creation, and the effective implementation of Government programmes.
“Ignore speculation about appointments and avoid distractions from rumours. Appointment matters rest with the appointing authority. Your duty is to remain focused on current assignments. The surest path to future opportunities is hard work, discipline, and measurable performance,” she said. She directed them to continue serving diligently until directed otherwise.
The President’s Expectations for Field Officers
Minister Babalanda reiterated that H.E. the President expects RDCs and field officers to be visible in communities, accessible to citizens, and responsive to emerging challenges. Specifically, they must:
· Monitor Government programmes closely,
· Coordinate security effectively,
· Fight corruption without fear or favour,
· Provide accurate field information, and
· Ensure Government interventions produce real results for ordinary Ugandans.
She stressed that these expectations are critical as Uganda implements the National Development Plan IV (NDP-IV), the NRM Manifesto, Uganda Vision 2040, and the Government’s Ten-Fold Growth Strategy. These frameworks aim to transform Uganda into a modern, prosperous economy through wealth creation, industrialisation, value addition, increased exports, job creation, and improved household incomes.
“Strong leadership and effective supervision at the local level are essential, making the RDC Institution indispensable,” she asserted.
A New Era of Accountability
The Minister declared that the Government is moving from promises to delivery, from activities to outcomes, and from plans to measurable results. She noted that Wananchi (citizens) have renewed trust in H.E. the President and the NRM and now expect tangible improvements in livelihoods, household incomes, public services, and economic opportunities.
Citing scripture, she said: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat’” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
‘Kisanja of No More Sleep’ is a Policy Directive
Hon. Babalanda clarified that the President’s message of “Kisanja of No More Sleep” is not a slogan but a policy directive. It demands:
· Greater vigilance in monitoring projects,
· Quicker response to citizen concerns,
· Stronger action against corruption, and
· More effective coordination of service delivery.
She urged RISOs, RDCs, RCCs, DISOs, and Assistants to avoid absenteeism and to respect their seniors, supervisors, and the appointing authority.
Focus on Key Government Programmes
The Minister emphasised that programmes like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and Operation Wealth Creation must be implemented transparently and effectively.
“Success is not measured by money disbursed, but by households moved out of poverty, youth engaged in productive enterprises, and communities joining the money economy,” she explained.
Buganda’s High Expectations
Turning to the Buganda sub-region, where Government has invested heavily in infrastructure, industrialisation, and urban development, Hon. Babalanda noted that expectations are higher. She reminded officers that the region has potential in commercial agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism, and trade.
“They must ensure citizens seize these opportunities and that no programme is undermined by corruption, complacency, or poor supervision,” she warned.
Every RDC and DISO was directed to be visible, proactive, and results-oriented. They must know what is happening in their districts, engage regularly with wananchi, provide timely information to Government, and ensure every intervention supports peace, stability, and socio-economic transformation.
Concluding with a second biblical admonition, she quoted Proverbs 13:24: “Whoever spares the rod hates their son, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”
The Minister signed off with the national pledge: For God and my country.
Ends.
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