Ugandan RDCs Tasked with Securing 95% Support for President Museveni in 2026 Elections
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s administration is intensifying efforts to ensure a resounding victory in the upcoming January 2026 general elections. Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, has directly challenged Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in the Bukedi and Sebei sub-regions to maximize mobilization and aim for a 95% voter turnout in favor of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party. This directive underscores the critical role RDCs play as key representatives of the central government at the local level.
“You must leave no stone unturned,” Minister Babalanda emphasized, urging RDCs to comprehensively engage with communities across their districts. “Reach all corners of your respective districts and ensure that the population is mobilized to vote for the NRM Party flag bearers.” The call to action highlights the importance placed on grassroots engagement and direct voter outreach in securing the President’s continued leadership.
The Role of RDCs in Ugandan Governance
Resident District Commissioners are appointed by the President and serve as the President’s representatives in each district of Uganda. Their responsibilities extend beyond election mobilization, encompassing the monitoring of government programs, conflict resolution, and the coordination of security efforts. They are vital links between the central government and local populations, tasked with ensuring effective implementation of national policies and fostering local development. The current emphasis on election mobilization builds upon this existing framework of local leadership and accountability.
The Minister’s remarks were delivered during the closing session of a three-day capacity-building workshop held at Wish and Wills Hotel in Mbale City on November 28th, 2025. The workshop, led by Dr. Dan Ssekiboobo, Senior Presidential Advisor In-charge of Research- RDC Secretariat, targeted RDCs, Deputy RDCs, Assistant RDCs, Resident Intelligence and Security Officers (RISOs), and District Intelligence and Security Officers (DISOs). The training focused on enhancing their skills in program monitoring, community engagement, and security coordination.
Accountability and Transparency in Government Programs
Hon. Babalanda also expressed gratitude for the RDCs’ contributions to overseeing the implementation of government initiatives. She stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, stating that it is their “cardinal responsibility” to supervise all government projects and programs. This oversight is intended to build public trust and demonstrate the government’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits to citizens. Increased visibility of these interventions, through radio broadcasts and public forums, is also a key priority.
The Office of the President has pledged to provide the necessary political and technical support to facilitate effective program monitoring. Minister Babalanda also underscored the need for teamwork among RDC officials and adherence to reporting requirements. “Filling periodic reports to the central government…is a mandatory requirement,” she stated, noting that many districts have fallen short in this regard. Furthermore, RDCs are expected to actively participate in the launch and completion of both government-funded and donor-supported projects.
Beyond project oversight, RDCs were reminded of their administrative duties, including addressing citizen petitions and collaborating with security agencies like DISOs and Police to maintain law and order. Minister Babalanda cautioned that government service delivery alone is insufficient without active citizen participation in economic activities. Sustainable socio-economic transformation, she argued, requires a collaborative effort between the government and the population.
National Security as a Cornerstone of Development
A key component of the workshop addressed national security. Deus David Tumwesigye, representing the Director General of the Internal Security Organization (ISO), presented a paper emphasizing the critical need for investment in Uganda’s security apparatus. “We have to invest so much in our security so that our country’s socio-economic transformation is in the right direction and our people are in safe hands,” he asserted.
Tumwesigye explained that national security is a shared responsibility, extending beyond the traditional roles of the military, police, and intelligence agencies. He highlighted a range of potential threats, including treason, rebellion, terrorism, corruption, and cybercrime, emphasizing that any actions detrimental to Uganda’s strategic interests are considered threats that must be actively countered. He urged participants to uphold national values and prioritize national interests above personal gain.
What role do you believe local leaders play in fostering a sense of national unity and security in Uganda? And how can the government best support RDCs in balancing their diverse responsibilities, from election mobilization to program monitoring and security coordination?
Frequently Asked Questions About Ugandan RDCs and the 2026 Elections
A: The primary responsibility of an RDC is to represent the President in their district, oversee government programs, and ensure effective communication between the central government and local communities.
A: The government relies on RDCs to monitor program implementation, report on progress, and address any challenges or irregularities. Transparency and public visibility of government interventions are also key components of this accountability framework.
A: Uganda faces a range of security threats, including terrorism, rebellion, corruption, cybercrime, and political instability. The Internal Security Organization (ISO) plays a crucial role in identifying and mitigating these threats.
A: The 95% voter turnout goal reflects the government’s strong desire to secure a decisive victory in the 2026 elections and demonstrate widespread public support for President Museveni and the NRM party.
A: The Office of the President provides RDCs with political and technical support, including training, resources, and guidance on program implementation and security coordination.
A: Minister Babalanda emphasized that socio-economic transformation requires active citizen participation in productive activities and income generation, alongside government service delivery.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute political endorsement or advice.
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