Resident District Commissioners have been warned against waiting for ministers to uncover problems with government programmes in their districts, as government steps up scrutiny of service delivery and the use of public resources.
Secretary in the Office of the President Hajji Yunus Kakande says RDCs and other government representatives must regularly inspect projects, track public resources and act on problems before they develop into crises.
“Please, when you are carrying out this role of inspection, don’t leave any stone unturned. Don’t wait for Ministers to first come to your areas and you start reacting. Be proactive,” Kakande said.
He was speaking on Monday, September 28, while opening a three-day capacity-building workshop for RDCs, RCCs, their deputies and assistants, Regional Internal Security Officers and District Internal Security Officers from the Greater Masaka sub-region.
The workshop is being held in Masaka City.
Kakande said RDCs have been given responsibility to monitor government programmes and projects and must ensure public resources reach the intended beneficiaries.
“This kisanja is hakuna muchezo. There is no room for superficial reporting or shoddy work. Don’t wait for a problem to first become a crisis before reporting it,” he said.
His warning comes as Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara continues his “Expose the Corrupt” campaign across local governments.
The campaign has focused attention on the management of public funds, government projects, staffing, school enrolment, the Parish Development Model and delivery of services.
Against that background, Kakande told RDCs in Greater Masaka that they should be the first to detect problems in their areas.
“The people of Greater Masaka need government institutions that work, protect government resources and ensure effective service delivery. Ensure that every programme that reaches Greater Masaka is monitored and produces tangible results,” he said.
RDCs warned against distributing PDM money
Kakande also cautioned RDCs against directly taking part in the distribution of Parish Development Model funds.
He said their responsibility is to monitor the process and establish whether the money reaches the intended beneficiaries.
“Don’t engage in distributing this money. Just monitor how it is being distributed. Where the Government has put resources, ensure that they reach the intended people,” he said.
On corruption, Kakande told the commissioners to act when they detect possible wrongdoing but warned them against making accusations based on rumours.
“Every day, we get cases of corruption. Fight against it. You should not become part of the corruption problem; you should be the solution,” he said.
“Where you detect corruption, don’t look on. At the same time, accusations must be dealt with professionally. Do not taint the reputation of someone on mere rumours. First investigate.”
Focus shifts to service delivery
Kakande thanked the commissioners and security officers for their work during the recent election period before telling them to turn their attention to government programmes.
“Now the political season has gone. You must concentrate on service delivery, development, peace and socio-economic transformation,” he said.
He also tasked RDCs with helping local governments address youth unemployment through practical skills training in agriculture, value addition, tourism and ICT.
On agriculture, Kakande encouraged commissioners to promote irrigation and other farming methods that can increase production during dry periods.
He also called for early intervention in land disputes and asked RDCs and security officers to protect government land.
“Arbitrate fairly so that you remain with your dignity in the district. Handle these land issues without bias and you will always succeed,” he said.
Kakande warns against indiscipline
The Secretary in the Office of the President also warned commissioners against conflicts with district political and technical leaders.
“Indiscipline will not be allowed in the Office of the President. Maintain professionalism. There is no need for an RDC to fight with the LCV chairman. Where there is a problem, iron it out amicably,” he said.
“We expect you to be at peace with other leaders in the district. That is how areas develop.”
Head of the RDC Secretariat Maj. Martha Asiimwe said the three-day workshop is intended to strengthen the commissioners’ ability to carry out their constitutional and administrative responsibilities.
She said participants will review their performance, leadership, teamwork and oversight of government programmes.
“The workshop helps to strengthen personal growth, ethics and improve your performance to make sure what you have been assigned to do is done,” Asiimwe said.
