Jinja, Uganda: The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, has issued a stern warning to Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) who ignore official transfer directives, saying such conduct undermines government authority and public service delivery.
Babalanda made the remarks on Monday while addressing a press conference at Bax Hotel in Jinja during an NRM mobilisation meeting for Local Council I (LC1) elections attended by leaders from the Busoga Sub-region and neighboring areas.
The minister also condemned what she described as a growing culture of sabotage within public service, saying some officials spend more time plotting against colleagues instead of serving Ugandans.
“There are people who do not wish others well. Instead of supporting one another, they spend their time fighting colleagues and undermining government programmes. That kind of behaviour weakens both government and the NRM,” Babalanda said.
She urged voters to turn out in large numbers and elect National Resistance Movement flag bearers in the LC1 elections, arguing that strong grassroots leadership is critical to effective implementation of government programmes.
Babalanda also commended women across the country for what she described as an impressive performance during the recently concluded Women Council elections, where NRM candidates secured victories in many areas.
Babalanda warns defiant RDCs
The Minister used the occasion to caution Resident District Commissioners who have reportedly refused to report to their new duty stations following recent transfers.
“I hear some people are bragging and swelling in offices to the extent of despising transfer letters. This is unacceptable and must stop,” Babalanda said. “You find an RDC with a record of corruption in the district, but because they are deceived, they claim the transfer letters should come from President Museveni.”
She reminded RDCs that while President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni remains the appointing authority, the Ministry for the Presidency is constitutionally mandated to supervise RDCs, RCCs, Deputy RDCs and Assistant RDCs, including implementing transfers and other administrative decisions.
Babalanda further disclosed that her office had received reports of individuals soliciting bribes from job seekers while falsely claiming they could secure appointments as RDCs.
“This time round, President Museveni will only appoint patriots to take on RDC and RCC jobs,” she warned.
Although the minister did not publicly name any RDC accused of defying transfers, DailyExpress understands that Namayingo RDC Eva Kwesiga Nalongo was recently transferred and replaced by Emmy Mitala.
According to information available to this publication, the outgoing RDC has allegedly remained in office despite the transfer, creating uncertainty among residents seeking government services.
Babalanda clarified that Emmy Mitala is the duly appointed RDC for Namayingo District and should be recognized as such. “Some people are determined to destroy others”
The minister also accused unnamed individuals, particularly from the Busoga Sub-region, of orchestrating smear campaigns against fellow leaders.
Without naming specific individuals, she alleged that some officials routinely write reports to the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) and other government agencies with the intention of discrediting colleagues before President Museveni.
She further claimed that others have resorted to using vloggers and bloggers to spread false information against her.
Responding to allegations that she misappropriated Shs15 billion, Babalanda dismissed the claims as politically motivated propaganda. “How can someone swindle that amount of money and continue moving freely in the country like I do? I would be like others who were previously arrested and prosecuted,” she said.
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