The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party based in Najjanankumbi has criticized the government’s decision to appoint Assistant Residents District Commissioners (RDCs), citing that the decision is counterproductive to the ongoing efforts to thin public expenditure.
According to Walid Lubega, the Deputy Secretary of Publicity in charge of Publications and Documentation, the appointment of Assistant RDCs is irregular and invalid, thus contributing to a bloated administration structure.
“Instead of appointing RDCs, why don’t you employ medical doctors in the hospitals to reduce their shortage in different hospitals in Uganda? Museveni has appointed an NRM mobilization brigade paid by taxpayers for the 2026 general elections, disguised as assistant RDCs,” Lubega said.
Lubega made the remarks during a press conference held at the FDC party headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Monday, April 29, 2024.
He revealed that the appointment of more than 300 RDCs will increase the country’s wage bill to UGX 3 billion annually.
However, Rogers Mulindwa, the Senior Manager in Charge of Information, Communication, and Public Relations for NRM, said that no law in Uganda prohibits the appointment of assistant RDCs, stating that the assistants are there to assist the people because, currently, RDCs are overwhelmed by many issues, such as land disputes, and require assistance.
Gyaviira Ssemwanga, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Buyamba County Rakai district said that the government has numerous programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and others that require close supervision, stating that assistant RDCs will assist in overseeing such programs.
Gorreth Namugga, the MP for Mawogola South County and Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), said that they are not opposing the appointment of the assistant RDCs, but it is not the right time for the government to shoulder them given the hard economic situation the country is facing.
Explaining the specific roles of the Assistant RDCs, Mulindwa said that they have been assigned to fight corruption, preach patriotism, and monitor the implementation of government programs in different districts.
