RDC urges Bunyangabu residents to stop judging leaders by phone calls

BUNYANGABU - The resident district commissioner (RDC) of Bunyangabu district, Nicholus Kamukama, has urged residents to stop judging the performance of leaders based on whether they answer telephone calls, saying such attitudes undermine leadership and development in the district.

Kamukama made the remarks while speaking at the handover ceremony of the outgoing Bunyangabu district chairperson, James Ategeka, on May 18, 2026.

He criticised what he described as a growing tendency among residents to measure the effectiveness of leaders by their accessibility through phone calls rather than by the services and development they deliver.

“If you are still measuring the yardstick of a leader on a telephone, Bunyangabu will not develop. You find someone saying the district chairperson has done nothing in office, and when you ask how, they tell you he does not pick up our phone calls. This is wrong.” Kamukama said.

The RDC explained that leaders often fail to answer calls because they may be engaged in official duties, meetings or religious activities, and called on the public to be more understanding.

“Leaders have certain things that stop them from picking up calls. Maybe they are in meetings or in church,” he said.

Kamukama further encouraged residents to support and nurture leaders instead of constantly criticising them, noting that leadership requires time and experience to grow.

The RDC also challenged the people of Bunyangabu to change their mindset towards leadership and development, warning against the habit of expecting allowances for attending community meetings.

“People here expect you to give them a token of appreciation in the form of allowance when called for meetings that give them information,” Kamukama noted.

He said residents should focus more on development and personal transformation rather than short-term financial gains.

“I have called you to work on your mind, to understand that you come from where people are not coming from and see where the world is destined to. But all you want is transport allowance,” he said.

Kamukama also reminded residents that Bunyangabu once had two ministers in government but currently has none, calling on the population to support leaders who can effectively represent the district at the national level.

Mugarama (R) hands over to the CAO. (Credit: Jonan Tusingwire)

Unite for development

The chief guest, Brig. Gen. Robert Mugabe called on newly elected district leaders to work closely with him in promoting unity and development in the district.

Mugabe dismissed claims by some politicians who boast of being close to President Yoweri Museveni, saying he has personally enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the Head of State since his school days.

“I have been hearing people saying they are in the sitting room of the president. Now, since my school days, the President has been my guardian up to date, when I am a General. If you say you are in the sitting room, then where am I?” Mugabe asked.

He also praised the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, describing him as a hardworking leader who does not tolerate corruption.

“The General I am working with does not entertain corruption. He is my supervisor, and we are always busy,” Mugabe said.

He further revealed that they are currently mobilising support for West Budama County South MP Jacob Oboth to take the reins as Speaker of the 12th Parliament. “We are mobilising for the coming Speaker who is our Minister of Defence,” he added.

Brig. Gen. Mugabe urged the new district leaders in Bunyangabu to cooperate with him so that they can jointly lobby for opportunities and development for the district.

The outgoing district chairperson, James Mugarama, officially handed over office to the district chief administrative officer, thanking the people of Bunyangabu for the opportunity to serve them.

Speaking during the handover ceremony attended by district leaders, civil servants and security officials, Mugarama expressed gratitude to residents and colleagues for the support they accorded him during his tenure in office.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. Who am I?” Mugarama said in an emotional speech as he reflected on his leadership journey.

He also thanked district leaders, staff and the people of Bunyangabu for the memories and lessons he gained while serving as district chairperson.

“Thank you all for the memories, the lessons, and the support,” he added.