In his end-of-year address on December 31, 2024, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni raised important questions about the role of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in Uganda.
Speaking to the nation, Museveni expressed concern that many RDCs have failed to effectively engage the youth, a crucial part of the country’s population.
"What are the RDCs doing? Why do they not engage these youth to direct their efforts towards honest work? How about the police?" President Museveni questioned during his address.
His comments have sparked discussions across Uganda, especially on social media, where many citizens and political analysts have weighed in on the issue.
The President's remarks suggest that he feels RDCs are not doing enough to work with the young generation, who make up a significant portion of the population.
Museveni emphasized that the youth could play a major role in the country’s development, but only if their potential is harnessed effectively.
He called for better coordination and more effort in guiding young people toward positive and productive activities that would benefit the nation.
Many have agreed with Museveni’s assessment, acknowledging that youth engagement is critical for Uganda’s future.
However, some critics argue that the RDCs are not the only ones responsible for the lack of youth engagement.
They believe that there needs to be a broader approach, including better opportunities for education, employment, and empowerment, which would provide the youth with the tools to contribute meaningfully to society.
While the President’s comments on the RDCs were harsh, they are not the first time he has raised concerns about the effectiveness of local government officials in Uganda.
The RDCs are tasked with overseeing government policies at the district level, and their role is critical in ensuring that programs reach the grassroots level.
However, many RDCs have been criticized for failing to connect with their communities, particularly with the youth, who often feel disconnected from government activities.
Social media reactions to the President's speech have been mixed. Some people expressed frustration with Museveni’s long-standing leadership, accusing him of repeating the same promises without significant change.
One Twitter user, @amossemalulu, wrote, "He is left with nothing to promise! He has recycled speeches for over 30 years now. He can’t change anything today apart from the lies; he is such a hypocrite and a pathological liar."
On the other hand, some users voiced concerns about the role of RDCs in destabilizing government programs. @Aulai Bernald commented, "Mr. President, RDCs are a misguided force reckoned to destabilize NRM programs! I don't feel these fellows anywhere!"
Others, like @jafarib20, suggested that the upcoming year could see more politically motivated actions as the country approaches the next election, adding,
"This year we shall see a lot of threatening events just to scare the population and brainwash it more about fear since we are nearing the next election."
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