Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Efforts: The Unsung Heroes of RDCs and RCCs

The renewed fight against corruption in Uganda has become a central focus of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s governance, with the government emphasizing that the campaign aims to restore integrity in public service, protect taxpayers’ money, and ensure equitable access to government programs. According to the Minister for the Presidency, the work of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) has been foundational to this effort, despite operating with limited resources and often without public recognition.

“Corruption is not simply theft of public resources; it is theft of opportunities from ordinary Ugandans,” the Minister stated, highlighting how corrupt practices deny citizens access to healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He emphasized that RDCs and RCCs, as the President’s representatives in every district and city, play a critical role in monitoring government projects, supervising service delivery, and ensuring public funds are used appropriately.

Every day, RDCs and RCCs conduct inspections of schools, health facilities, roads, and other public investments, uncovering cases of incomplete projects, shoddy construction, inflated contracts, and fraudulent land transactions. These officials have intercepted illegal payments, exposed contractors who abandoned projects, and resolved disputes that threatened government and community interests. “Many government agencies have been compelled to halt illegal payments because of the vigilance of RDCs,” the Minister said, noting that their work often prevents financial losses before they occur.

Despite their critical role, RDCs and RCCs operate with minimal budgets and lack dedicated media resources to publicize their findings. “Their work follows institutional procedures established by government,” the Minister explained, adding that detailed monitoring reports are submitted to the Office of the President through the Ministry for the Presidency. These reports inform policy decisions and broader anti-corruption strategies, ensuring that recurring weaknesses in public projects are addressed.

The current intensified campaign, led by figures such as Lands Minister Hon. Balaam Barugahara and Justine Nameere, has brought greater visibility to anti-corruption efforts. However, the Minister stressed that this campaign does not replace existing structures but rather strengthens them. “An evidence-based anti-corruption campaign can only succeed when all government supervisory structures work as one coordinated team,” he said.

Challenges remain, however. The Minister acknowledged that some RDCs have failed to meet expectations, leading to transfers or administrative actions. “Accountability must begin with those entrusted to enforce it,” he said. At the same time, he noted that some RDCs face retaliation from powerful interests, including “malicious propaganda, false accusations, and intimidation.” The government has committed to investigating all allegations objectively, ensuring that honest officers are protected while holding accountable those who misuse their positions.

Citizen engagement is also critical to the campaign. The Minister praised Ugandans for reporting corruption through community forums, stating that many investigations begin with complaints from ordinary citizens. “Citizen participation is priceless,” he said, urging continued reporting through official channels. He also commended the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for supporting anti-corruption efforts and reinforcing the government’s resolve to target criminal networks.

The Minister concluded by reaffirming the President’s commitment to confronting corruption at all levels. “Defeating it requires every institution, public servant, and citizen to play their part,” he said, calling for support for RDCs and RCCs, who have long served as “frontline defenders of accountability.”