By Mulengera Reporters
Former Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Daudi Migereko, has challenged Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and internal security officers in the Rwenzori sub-region to take security, mobilization, and economic empowerment as their top priorities in the service.
Speaking at the three-day retreat (Sept 29-Oct 01) for RDCs, RCCs, their deputies, Assistant RDCs, RISOs, and DISOs on Monday, Hon. Migereko reminded participants that their foremost duty was to safeguard peace and security in their areas. He warned that failure to do so would amount to abdication of responsibility and attract undesired consequences. In his words, Migereko said security is not a one-man task, and it requires a collective effort involving the police, intelligence officers, local councils (LCs), and all other stakeholders.
“Your role as RDCs is to ensure these structures work together, and that information is acted on quickly and decisively,” Migereko stressed.
He cautioned commissioners against neglecting reports from their security committees, emphasizing that timely action ensures tranquility. Instead of sitting on intelligence, he said, RDCs should carefully study reports, act on them, and use them to guide other stakeholders.
According to him, the difference between a stable community and one in turmoil often lies in whether intelligence is taken seriously and acted upon promptly.
Beyond security, Migereko turned his focus to mobilization, noting that RDCs cannot succeed unless they bring local communities on board. He said inclusivity and open communication were essential in winning the trust of citizens and ensuring that government programs reach intended beneficiaries.
“You must work with the very communities you supervise. Listen to them, guide them, and mobilize them to take full advantage of the opportunities the government has created,” he said.
Migereko encouraged the commissioners to anchor their actions in guiding documents such as the Constitution, the Local Government Act, the Land Act, Electoral Laws, and the NRM Manifesto. These, he said, not only provide the legal foundation for their work but also embody the principles of service delivery and governance. He reminded the attendants that the NRM has historically registered strong victories in the Rwenzori region, a legacy that must continue through strong mobilization and performance at the grassroots.
Migereko further advised commissioners to pay close attention to the President’s video addresses, which, he said, contain valuable guidance on governance, mobilization, and socio-economic transformation. He called on RDCs/RCCs to physically visit successful model farms that the President often references, including Mr. Richard Nyakana’s model farm in Rwengaju Sub-county, Kabarole District, and Joseph Ijara’s Teifa Farm in Serere District. Such visits, he said, would equip commissioners with practical knowledge to share with farmers in their respective areas.
He also underscored the importance of household economic empowerment, urging RDCs/RCCs to help the public move from subsistence farming into the money economy. He cited government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and GROW, which offer affordable credit to enable families to invest in productive enterprises.
“Encourage households to apply for these funds and guide them to put the money into ventures that can improve their incomes,” he said.
Migereko also emphasized that mobilization should begin at home, advising commissioners to work with their own family members to raise extra income. By taking advantage of available credit programs, he said, families could set an example for communities and demonstrate that transformation begins at household level.
“If your own family is thriving, you will have the moral authority to guide others,” the former minister noted.
According to Migereko, poverty reduction and prosperity are inseparable from strong grassroots leadership. He reminded RDCs/RCCs that they are the President’s direct representatives and that the effectiveness of their work is measured by the degree to which families and communities under their watch are able to stand on their feet.
The former minister urged RDCs and security officers to see themselves as central actors in the government’s mission of socio-economic transformation, reiterating that security, mobilization, and economic empowerment form the backbone of national stability and progress. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
