The Secretary, Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande, has congratulated Resident District Commissioners in the West Nile sub-region for the role they played during the 2026 General Elections.
“Your mobilization efforts, vigilance and coordination ensured stability in the West Nile sub-region and contributed significantly to the victory of His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the NRM flag bearer,” he said.
Hajji Kakande made the remarks on Friday, 27 February 2026, at the closure of a three-day capacity building workshop for RDCs, RCCs, Deputy RDCs, Assistant RDCs, RISOs and DISOs in West Nile. The workshop was held at Hotel Le Confidentiel in Arua.
He described RDCs as central pillars of governance at district level, serving as representatives of the President, supervisors of government programmes, coordinators of central government agencies and guardians of lawful administration.
“And for DISOs, you are custodians of internal security intelligence, early warning systems for threats to peace and stability, and advisers to RDCs on security trends and preventive action,” he said.
He stressed that development and security are inseparable.
“Development cannot thrive without security, and security cannot be sustained without development.”
Hajji Kakande reminded the commissioners that monitoring public service delivery is not ceremonial or optional.
“Government has invested substantial resources in infrastructure, education, health services, wealth creation programmes and initiatives like the Parish Development Model. Without active and diligent monitoring, these resources risk misuse, projects may stall and public confidence can erode,” he said.
He urged the commissioners to document field findings, follow up corrective actions and maintain accurate professional records.
“Evidence-based reporting informs decision-making at the centre and ensures interventions are timely and targeted.”
He cautioned against working in isolation and called for close coordination with Chief Administrative Officers, District Chairpersons, technical staff, security committees and community leaders.
“Let us avoid unnecessary friction between political and technical leadership. Our common objective is to ensure services reach the wananchi effectively and equitably. Share intelligence, share strategies and support one another.”
Hajji Kakande noted that infrastructure alone does not guarantee prosperity, saying transformation happens when each homestead becomes a productive economic unit.
He referenced the President’s emphasis on wealth creation during campaign tours across sub-regions.
“Programmes like the Parish Development Model, youth skilling initiatives, Emyooga and agricultural commercialisation are designed to achieve this objective. It is your duty to ensure funds reach intended beneficiaries, that the one million shillings per household threshold is respected and that misuse is investigated and addressed decisively.”
He warned that these funds are seed capital for wealth creation, not consumption grants, adding that accountability remains non-negotiable and ongoing audits will take action against anyone undermining the programmes.
The Secretary also urged effective communication with communities.
“If wananchi express frustration over poor service delivery, listen. If they misunderstand government programmes, explain. If there are weaknesses in implementation, correct them.”
He highlighted gains in West Nile, including restored peace and cross-border stability, expanded road networks, growth in education and health infrastructure, strengthened refugee-hosting frameworks benefiting both refugees and host communities, and increased access to electricity and water.
“These achievements provide the foundation upon which household wealth creation and economic empowerment must be built. It is now your responsibility to consolidate these gains.”
Hajji Kakande further urged the commissioners to fully acquaint themselves with the law, including the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, the Local Government Act, Public Service Standing Orders, Public Finance Management laws and security regulations.
“A strong understanding of these legal frameworks enables you to act decisively, exercise authority appropriately and avoid overreach. It also protects you from unnecessary litigation or administrative sanctions.”
He also warned against misuse of social media platforms, including TikTok, to attack or insult colleagues.
“Such behaviour is unacceptable and undermines teamwork, discipline and the image of government. You are expected to set the standard for professionalism, both online and offline.”
He called on the commissioners to focus on results, including reduction of corruption, timely completion of government projects, maintenance of peace and security, and empowerment of citizens to participate in government programmes.
Presenting manifesto implementation data for West Nile for 2021 to 2025, Dr David Sengendo, an economist at the Manifesto Implementation Unit, said government has completed multiple national road projects, connected 12 out of 13 district headquarters to the national grid and received 14,365 free electricity applications.
On the Parish Development Model, he said 830 SACCOs have been operationalised, with West Nile receiving Shs254 billion and 227,890 beneficiaries served. Under Emyooga, 424 SACCOs are active.
However, he noted that 130 parishes still lack primary schools and there is need to expand Health Centre IIIs to 31 uncovered sub-counties. He also called for improved Emyooga recovery mechanisms and scaling up of the four-acre model.
