The National Resistance Movement(NRM) National Vice Chairperson, Hajji Moses Kigongo, has requested Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) to embrace discipline and transparency while in service.
Hajji Kigongo was today addressing the Commissioners who are undergoing orientation at the National Leadership Institute(NALI), Kyankwanzi.
He congratulated on their appointment and challenged them to work to the expected standards of their appointing authority. He drew them to the heavy responsibility ahead of them but encouraged them that they will deliver as long as they embrace discipline in executing their work.
He argued that they can only succeed by consulting the ideology of the ruling NRM party which he said has helped to attain and consolidate power for a long time. He noted that the party works on the pillars of Patriotism, Pan Africanism, Democracy and Social Economic Transformation.
He said the above pillars should always guide their work.
He appealed to them to always ensure self- discipline. Kigongo told his audience that it’s only by embracing the principle of self- respect that they will earn respect from the public. He reminded them that they are representatives of the Head of State and senior public officers. As such, their conduct in society should reflect the same.
Kigongo asked the Commissioners to desist from falling into the temptation of corruption. He noted that allowing to get compromised will expose them to more problems and taint the image of the Government and the people they represent.
“Stay away from corruption because it leaves you degraded. Before the corrupt people come to you, they first weigh you on a scale to establish your price. This leaves you degraded and demeaned,” he said.
He also emphasised the role of the RDCs in realising the effectiveness of the implementation of the NRM Manifesto commitments as representatives of the President.
He asked them to exhibit accountability.
He said that they should know that they are answerable to humanity and the Presidency as representatives of the President and Government as Government officials- in upholding principles of public service.
Hajji Kigongo pointed out that transformation of society, socially and economically, isone of the core principles of NRM. He noted that the Commissioners should focus on transforming their own mindset and turn to the public with the correct mindset.
He reminded them to be conscious of the reality that the offices they hold don’t belong to them but to Uganda. That for every decision they take, they should always bear in mind that they will at one time get out of those offices. He asked them to always be humble and stem pride.
“Be humble while serving the people. There is no good in being arrogant while serving the public. Those offices have been occupied by other people before you and you will also leave like them,” he cautioned.
Kigongo tasked RDCs to go back to their districts and counter land grabbers head on. He, however, asked them to make thorough research on the contested land and also equip themselves with the Land Act.
“Without the understanding of this law, you can’t work. You should all ensure you access the Land Act. Those who can’t get it should come to me and I will use my office to get it for you.”
He also called for teamwork between RDCs, their colleagues and subordinates. He also advised that they should feel comfortable to consult their colleagues in other districts in solving issues.