Minister Babalanda Warns Buganda RDCs Against Indiscipline, Insubordination and Corruption; Calls for Shift to Service Delivery

The Minister for the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Budiope West, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, has cautioned RDCs, RCCs, RISOs and DISOs in Buganda sub-region against indiscipline and insubordination, warning that some officers have connived with others to write negative reports against her office.

The Minister made the remarks on Friday while delivering closing remarks at a 3-day capacity-building workshop held at Collins Hotel, Mukono.

“Some RDCs were in connivence with people to write negative reports against her office which is an act of disrespect, betrayal and insubordination,” Hon. Babalanda said. She urged officers to refrain from absenteeism and to respect their seniors, supervisors and the appointing authority, quoting 2 Thessalonians 3:10: _“The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”_

Hon. Babalanda directed RISOs, RDCs, RCCs, DRDCs, DRCCs, DISOs and their assistants to shift from politics to service delivery and wealth creation. She stressed that “Kisanja of No More Sleep” is a policy directive, not a slogan.

She commended the officers for their role in the recently concluded General Elections, noting that their mobilisation, vigilance and coordination “significantly contributed to the improved performance of the National Resistance Movement in Buganda Sub-region and to the victory of His Excellency the President.”

With politics over, the Minister told officers to concentrate on implementation of Government programmes and to ignore speculation about appointments. “Matters of appointment are handled by the appointing authority. Their duty is to remain focused on the assignment before them,” she said, adding that hard work, discipline and measurable performance secure the future.

Outlining President Yoweri Museveni’s expectations, Hon. Babalanda said RDCs and field officers must be visible in communities, accessible to citizens, responsive to emerging challenges, and must monitor Government programmes closely. They are also expected to coordinate security, fight corruption “without fear or favour,” and provide accurate information from the field.

She said the demands are heightened as Uganda implements NDP-IV, the NRM Manifesto, Uganda Vision 2040 and the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, which target wealth creation, industrialisation, value addition, increased exports, job creation and improved household incomes. “This is where the RDC Institution becomes indispensable,” she noted.

Government is moving “from promises to delivery, from activities to outcomes, and from plans to measurable results,” the Minister stated. Wananchi have renewed trust in the President and NRM and now expect tangible improvements in livelihoods, household incomes, public services and economic opportunities.

“Kisanja of No More Sleep” requires greater vigilance in monitoring projects, quicker response to citizen concerns, stronger action against corruption and more effective coordination of service delivery.

Officers were tasked to lead implementation of the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation and other interventions transparently. “Success should not be measured by the amount of money disbursed but by the number of households that have moved out of poverty, the number of young people engaged in productive enterprises and communities participating in the money economy,” Hon. Babalanda said.

In Buganda, where Government has invested heavily in infrastructure, industrialisation and urban development, she said expectations are higher. The region has potential in commercial agriculture, agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism and trade. She warned that no programme should be undermined by corruption, complacency or poor supervision.

RDCs and DISOs must be “visible, proactive and results-oriented,” know what is happening in their districts, engage regularly with wananchi, and provide timely, objective information to Government. “Good leadership begins with good information,” she said, adding that the Presidency relies on district reports for policy and resource allocation.

Preserving peace and security remains key. “Investors require confidence, farmers require secure markets, communities require peaceful conditions in which to work and prosper,” she said, urging close work with security agencies and local leaders.

Speaking on behalf of participants, RISO Kampala Metropolitan East, Mr. Kazola, thanked the Minister and the Permanent Secretary, Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, for cordial working relations with ISO and the Director General ISO.

“I congratulate you upon being elected Member of Parliament for Budiope West Constituency in the 12th Parliament and being re-appointed as Minister in-charge of the Presidency. Applause to H.E. President of the Republic of Uganda. We are thankful and committed to serve with you to meet the vision of the Government, fight corruption, implement and monitor all Government programmes,” Kazola said. He appealed to the Minister to “maintain that motherly love you accord to us.”

Hon. Babalanda concluded by urging officers to serve with equity and discipline, warning against pride. “You represent the Presidency. You are the face of Government in the districts. Your conduct, decisions and performance shape public confidence in Government,” she said, quoting Proverbs 14:24: _“The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools is folly.”_