RDCs must rise to the task ahead of 2026 elections

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OPINION

By Milly Babirye Babalanda

For close to four decades now, Uganda has witnessed unprecedented transformation under the steady stewardship of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government led by our dear President and ruling party national, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

From peace and security, to infrastructure, health, education and the economy, President Museveni has led the nation to a level of stability that is now the envy of many across Africa.

However, it is important to note that this progress is built on a strong foundation of democracy, which the NRM government restored and has upheld for all this time.

From 1996 to date, Ugandans have exercised their democratic rights by choosing their leaders through credible, free and fair elections.

As I speak now, we are just a few months shy of the 2026 general elections, which will give us another chance to entrench and enjoy this democratic right for the betterment of our dear country.

It is, therefore, important that all leaders and stakeholders entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the sanctity of our elections rise to the challenge, since achieving credible elections is the surest way to stability and continuity of our nation.

Central to this mission are the Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and their deputies — the deputy and assistant RDCs.

As representatives of the President in the various districts of Uganda, their role remains pivotal in securing the people, protecting property and ensuring that the popular will of Ugandans continues to be expressed through the visionary leadership of President Museveni.

To align this mission, last week I held a meeting with these RDCs and other relevant security structures, with a view to brainstorm, reflect and draw a clear strategy of achieving a peaceful and credible election.

I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to thank the RDCs, IGP and all the participants in this very important engagement and hope that our talking points will be executed as per the guidance of our dear President, who happens to also be our major constituency in the entire electoral period and process. For this right to be meaningful, though, Ugandans must freely exercise their right to vote in an environment of peace, devoid of intimidation, lawlessness or violence.

Realising how this is very critical, the meeting I held last week with key stakeholders was to ensure a solid foundation of the required security structure and strategy as we prepare for the 2026 general elections.

A call to action

The primary mandate of an RDC is clear: to represent the President in the district and safeguard the peace, security and property of the citizens.

This essentially makes the President our ‘major constituency. So, as the frontline representatives of the central government, RDCs must work closely with security agencies, local governments and communities to maintain law and order, especially as elections draw near.

The history of our country teaches us that without peace, there can be no development.

This explains why, before 1986, the country was stuck in economic stagnation and perennial insecurity, with low productivity and growth. It was not until the wise leadership of President Museveni that Uganda regained stability and built professional army and police capable of securing every corner of our land. As 2026 approaches, the responsibility to maintain this peace falls squarely on your shoulders as RDCs. Ensure that the security architecture in your districts is strong, alert and ready to prevent any attempts to destabilise the electoral process.

Mobilising communities for active participation

Beyond security, RDCs must also mobilise communities to participate meaningfully in the elections.

Our democracy is strongest when citizens are informed, empowered and engaged in shaping the future of their nation.

This means sensitising communities about the importance of registering and turning up to vote, while at the same time ensuring that the campaigns and voting processes are conducted in harmony and unity.

Like I mentioned earlier above, as RDCs, your major constituency is President Museveni and nothing else.

You must, therefore, remind Ugandans of the strides made under President Museveni’s leadership — including, but not limited to: universal primary and secondary education, free immunisation programmes, massive road and energy infrastructure, industrial parks, ICT hubs and empowerment initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.

The beauty of it all is that these are tangible achievements that directly touch the lives of our people and form the solid basis upon which we seek their renewed mandate for our constituency, the President.

RDCs must, therefore, use every opportunity to communicate government achievements, counter misinformation and rally citizens to stand firm in support of the NRM government and our great Father of the Nation, President Museveni.

The critical need for transparency and accountability

The credibility of the 2026 elections will depend, to a large extent, on how the RDCs manage their responsibilities. You must serve as a bridge between the people and the Government.

As we head into the elections, RDCs must ensure that any emergent complaints and potential disruptions to credible elections are handled swiftly; that government programmes are transparently monitored and that no room is given to those who might seek to exploit electoral processes for selfish or destructive ends.

This will help us to ultimately show the world that Uganda has matured democratically and that we can — as we have always done — conduct peaceful elections that reflect the people’s will. That responsibility starts with vigilance, integrity and impartial enforcement of the law at the district level.

Guaranteeing a resounding win for President Museveni

Last week, the President — our party chairman and presidential candidate — released his manifesto under the theme, Protecting the Gains: as we make a qualitative leap into high middle income status.

This clearly shows that the 2026 elections are not just about another five years in office. Rather, they are about consolidating the foundation for Uganda’s transformation into a modern, prosperous society, aligned with Vision 2040 and the target of achieving a tenfold growth into a $500b economy as envisaged and wished by our President.

It is, therefore, very critical that as we secure the people and their property, we must also ensure that the achievements and vision of President Museveni are not lost to history.

Uganda still needs President Museveni’s steady leadership to navigate global economic challenges, harness our oil and gas resources, expand industrialisation and deepen regional integration. The RDCs are the generals in the field, hence now tasked with rallying the masses behind this cause. A win for President Museveni in 2026 is a win for every farmer, trader, teacher, student and worker who desires a stable and prosperous Uganda.

I, therefore, call upon all RDCs to double your efforts as we move towards 2026. Secure your districts, guard the peace that our people treasure, protect government programmes from sabotage and educate and mobilise the masses for this noble pillar of self-determination. Avoid acts of corruption and avoid petty squabbles, as these will create loopholes for opportunists and detractors to derail you from your noble duty to the nation.

The President has entrusted us to be his shining lights; so, let us commit to do our part to secure his victory, for that is the only way we shall safeguard Uganda’s future.

The writer is the Minister for the Presidency