Minister Babalanda Warns RDCs Against Inappropriate Conduct

Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) involved in inappropriate activities must cease immediately, the Minister of the Presidency, Milly Babalanda has warned. She was speaking at the closure of a three-day retreat for security operatives from the Teso and Sebei regions.

Babalanda stated, “It’s the work of the police to arrest, not the RDCs. You should represent the president well and engage with civilians about wealth creation, rather than partake in activities that tarnish the president’s name.”

She reminded the RDCs of their roles as monitors and supervisors of government projects. “We are in a political season where many individuals with ill motives are present, so you need to collaborate with the police rather than taking on arrest duties yourselves.” Babalanda expressed her discontent regarding an incident in Katakwi, where Maj. Godfrey Katamba ordered the arrest of officials from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL).

She questioned the appropriateness of arresting individuals who were not responsible for the issues at hand and noted that Maj. Katamba is under serious investigation by the president’s office. She urged RDCs to avoid divisive politics and to focus on their assigned duties.

“How do you arrest a mother with a young baby? This is unacceptable.” “Fight poverty among the people rather than against them, as all Ugandans must strive to escape poverty, which is a curse.” Babalanda encouraged the RDCs to promote peace, unity, and wealth creation rather than overstepping their mandated roles.

She referenced Vice President Jesca Alupo, who reported that Maj. Katamba has been engaging in similar inappropriate actions within the district.

On November 27, Maj. Godfrey Katamba, the Katakwi RDC, reportedly arrested three officials, including a mother of a one-year-old baby, from the Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited. This action stemmed from their failure to maintain power in Katakwi during the Vice President’s visit with dignitaries from Turkey, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania for the Ateker Reunion.