The Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon. Anita Among has tasked the Minister of Presidency Milly Babalanda to explain the rationale behind the recent appointments of Assistant Resident District Commissioners (RDCs).
This followed concerns from the Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, regarding the selection criteria and the qualifications of appointees.
During plenary on Tuesday, Ssenyonyi, questioned the rationale behind appointing over 300 Assistant RDCs at a time when the government was advocating for the rationalization of entities to save taxpayer money. He raised doubts about the roles these new appointees would undertake that were not already covered by RDCs and Deputy RDCs.
“All the while, the compelling argument has been cutting down on Government expenditure, but now that you are saying, they aren’t listening to each other, because they are in different locations, then you need to be better organized as Government. That would mean for me, that even under one roof, there will still be challenges. You will say we want to cut down on Government expenditure, but we want to make sure there is efficiency,” said Ssenyonyi
Minister of Presidency Milly Babalanda was asked to clarify the criteria used in the selection and appointment process, particularly in light of concerns about the character and qualifications of some appointees.
Babalanda stated that Assistant RDCs would focus on promoting patriotism, mobilization, and fighting corruption. However, doubts were raised about potential duplication of roles, particularly in relation to the Inspectorate of Government, and the specific focus of mobilization efforts.
“The Minister for the Presidency has said in her communication that the Assistant RDCs are going to promote patriotism, carry out moblisation and fight corruption. We need to be helped to understand whether now the Assistant RDCs are now taking over the work of the Inspectorate of Government because there seems to be a lot of duplication. Also, if you are saying they are meant to carry out moblisation, for what exactly? Is it moblisation for the NRM, Parliament, for what exactly?” Ssenyonyi mentioned
Minister of State for Industry, David Bahati, countered Ssenyonyi’s remarks by reminding him of Parliament’s approval of funds for the appointment of Assistant RDCs in the current budget. Bahati argued that the Minister of Presidency was simply implementing decisions made by Parliament.
“I remember in this budget, we approved money for Assistant RDCs and the Minister has taken action, and then you come back as if you weren’t involved, you were involved in approving,” said Bahati.
Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua, requested additional time for the Minister of Presidency to provide a detailed statement to Parliament explaining the appointment process, the roles and responsibilities of Assistant RDCs, and the government’s rationale behind the expansion of these positions.
“I wish to request to give time to the Minister of Presidency to come and provide clarification on the appointment of the Assistant Resident District Commissioners and Assistant Resident City Commissioners, their roles and responsibilities and why the NRM thought it wise that we need to empower more those offices that do exist in our districts.” he saif
The discussions highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in the appointment process, as well as clarity regarding the roles and duties of Assistant RDCs in Uganda’s administrative framework.
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