Government has set new rules for incoming Resident District Commissioners indicating that all RDCs must undergo both oral written interviews.
According to sources within the Presidency, the new measures are aimed at streamlining service delivery and enhancing quality.
It means that one can’t attain office of an RDC without going through intrerviews.
It is a new measure introduced in government by new Security Minister Lt. Gen. Henry Tumukunde to fast track Vision 2020 when Uganda is supposed to attain the middle class status.
Previously RDCs have been appointed without verifying their capabilities and with some having their academic credentials questioned. However the new measures seeks to address issues like competence, general understanding of the country and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party as well.
However, the new measures will not only be limited to the new entrants as it is going to apply even to those around in service.
Uganda has 111 districts and this means that all the 111 RDCs will sit for the interviews.
Role of an RDC
Resident District Commissioners are part and parcel of the executive arm of government as they represent the president in their respective districts. An RDC is a senior civil servant and as such, they are supposed to spread the NRM party ideals to the population as well as those of government. Another role which is paramount is that an RDC is the head of security in the district.
Article 203 of the 1995 Constitution (as amended) provides for the appointment of the Resident District Commissioner and also describes their role, as the representative of the president and central government in a district.
The President is yet to make appointments and reshuffle RDCs and security chiefs since he assumed office after winning the February 18, 2016 general elections
