2026 Elections : President Museveni Appoints Deputy & Assistant RDCs To Silence Dissent

As Uganda gears up for the crucial 2026 general elections, President Yoweri Museveni is strategically bolstering his administrative team in a bid to secure an extended tenure at the State House that would mark 45 years of leadership. This reinforcement involves the appointment of additional Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), a step distinct from the functions of the Office of the National Chairman and the NRM Secretariat, which already oversees a substantial network of Museveni’s campaign efforts across the nation.

The new appointees, who have started receiving their posting orders from Hajji Yunus Kakande, the Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Presidency, are set to become permanent employees. Although their precise roles remain somewhat undefined at this stage, they are expected to focus on combating corruption and engaging in mobilization activities, paralleling the responsibilities of their senior colleagues, the RDCs and Deputy RDCs, with the added incentive of significant salaries.

This expansion has sparked a debate regarding the potential economic impact of such appointments, especially given the existing pressures on Uganda’s financial resources, highlighted by local traders. The recent clarifications from Milly Babalanda, the Minister of the Presidency, sought to address rumors and misinformation surrounding these appointments. Minister Babalanda confirmed that only two individuals have been added to assist in the RDC office, with a public announcement of the finalized list of successful candidates to follow upon completion of necessary public service procedures.

Resident District Commissioners play a crucial role as the president’s primary representatives at the district level, tasked with implementing government policies, ensuring law and order, and spearheading development initiatives. The roles of Deputy Resident District Commissioner and Assistant Resident District Commissioner, although similar in function, differ slightly in terms of their specific duties and responsibilities within the district administration framework, aimed at bolstering the government’s presence and efficiency in local governance.