The Secretary to the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, has urged Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in Bukedi and Sebei sub-regions to take the lead in civic education as the country prepares for the 2026 general elections.
Kakande tasked the RDCs to engage communities on the importance of voting responsibly, maintaining peace and participating fully in the electoral process.
“Through your various forums, continue empowering citizens with knowledge on how to vote responsibly, exercise integrity and turn up in big numbers on polling day,” Kakande said.
He made the remarks while officiating at the opening of a three-day capacity-building workshop for RDCs, Deputy RDCs, Assistant RDCs, District Internal Security Officers (DISOs) and Regional Internal Security Officers (RISOs) from Bukedi and Sebei at Wash & Wills Hotel in Mbale City.
Kakande reminded the participants that as the election period draws closer, their key responsibility remains the protection of peace, stability and government programs.
“The President expects RDC structures and security committees to ensure peaceful campaigns, prevent violence, protect public property, stop intimidation and counter misinformation,” he said.
He also emphasized that RDCs and security officers are the direct representatives of the Presidency at the grassroots, tasked with monitoring government programs and guarding against misuse of public resources.
Kakande further urged the officials to make full use of government-sponsored radio airtime to regularly sensitize the public on government programs, development achievements, peace and unity.
On development, he noted that Bukedi and Sebei have registered major progress under the NRM, including improved road networks, expanded electricity coverage and increased economic activity. He cautioned that these gains must be protected from vandalism, mismanagement and misinformation.
He also called for renewed sensitization on wealth creation programs such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, saying leadership at district level is critical to their success.
Kakande raised concern over environmental degradation in Sebei, citing soil erosion, landslides, deforestation and wetland encroachment. He urged closer coordination with district leaders, NEMA and forestry officials to enforce environmental laws.
The Head of the RDC Secretariat, Maj. Martha Asiimwe, commended Kakande for supporting continuous training of RDCs and security officers. She said the workshop aims to strengthen leadership, teamwork, security management and performance at district level.
