KAMPALA.
The office of the President has warned Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) who are resigning to join elective politics that they will not be considered for reappointment when they lose in the next year’s polls .
Speaking to Central Broadcasting Services (CBS) ,a Buganda Kingdom mouthpiece on Monday morning , Hajj Yunus Kakande , the permanent secretary in the Office of the President ,said it is a choice for anyone to join politics , but the government jobs they have abandoned will be filled by other people ready to take on the same roles .
“We cannot stop the RDCs and their assistants from joining elective politics if they so wish , but let them know that we will not keep their jobs . The office of the RDC is a full time job and in their absence we will have to put new people to serve in those roles ,” he said
Hajj Kakande revealed that at least 30 RDC have already tendered their resignations to vie for various Parliamentary seats in different districts.
Among the RDCs joining elective politics include; Fred Pax Kalema , the deputy RDC Bukomansimbi District who eying the Bukoto East Parliamentary seat currently occupied by National Unity Platform legislator Ronald Evans Kanyike and Soroti City resident city commissioner Peter Pex Paak .
RDCs are government officials who hold significant responsibilities, acting as the link between the central government and local authorities.
They are non-political leaders appointed by the President of Uganda and serve as his representatives in the districts. Their primary role is to coordinate government programs and policies at the grassroots level, ensuring effective implementation and service delivery.
They act as the eyes and ears of the central government, monitoring and reporting on developments within their districts.
The mandates of RDCs are derived from several sources:
Constitution of Uganda.
The Constitution grants the President the power to appoint RDCs under Article 203. This provision outlines the responsibilities of RDCs in ensuring peace, security, and development within their respective districts.
Local Government Act. The Local Government Act of Uganda provides further guidance on the role and functions of RDCs. It empowers them to oversee the activities of local governments, maintain law and order, and coordinate government services within their jurisdictions.
Presidential Directives.
RDCs often receive directives directly from the President or the Office of the President. These directives may relate to specific government initiatives, security matters, or development projects, and RDCs are expected to ensure their implementation.
Ministerial Guidelines.
RDCs work closely with various government ministries and agencies. They receive guidelines and instructions from these entities regarding the implementation of sector-specific programs and policies within their districts.
However, often these have had criticism headed their way as to whether they are doing what they are meant to do, given that most of the appointed officials happen to have engaged in politics.