RDCs Conduct During General Elections Under Scrutiny

The Office of the President is requesting UGX 2.8 billion to construct office accommodations for Resident District Commissioners (RDCs). They warned that if the necessary funds are not provided, it could take Uganda an estimated 146 years to complete the construction of offices for all RDCs, considering the current rate of funding for this project. This request was presented by Sadat Kisuyi, Assistant Commissioner for Finance and Planning in the Office of the President, during a session with the Presidential Affairs Committee on March 31, 2026. He highlighted some of the challenges facing the institution while discussing the 2026/27 Ministerial Policy Statement for the Office of the President.

 

Kisuyi pointed out the inadequacy of office space for both residents and commissioners, noting that the Office of the President currently constructs only one office for the RDCs each year. Kanyum County MP Simon Peter Okwalinga, however, urged the Office of the President to look into the conduct of some RDCs during the recently concluded general elections, suggesting that some of them might need to be transferred. Kikube District Woman MP Flora Natumanya expressed concern over the harm inflicted by RDCs on fellow MP Okwalinga and confirmed that some RDCs did not perform their duties effectively.

 

The Chairperson of the Presidential Affairs Committee, Alex Byarugaba, advised MPs not to categorize all RDCs together, arguing that the offenses committed by some are individual cases and that the commendable RDCs should not be penalized for the actions of a few. Yunus Kakande, Secretary of the Office of the President, acknowledged receipt of complaints regarding the conduct of some RDCs during the elections.

 

He stated that most complaints received by his office have been addressed. However, he mentioned that while RDCs are transferable, such actions cannot occur at this time as a new government is expected to take office in May 2026