By Eye Media | Kampala | Thursday, July 16, 2026

The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, has directed Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy RDCs and Assistant RDCs to intensify the fight against corruption and ensure strict accountability in the implementation of government programmes.

Babalanda made the remarks during a Zoom meeting with RDCs and their deputies on Thursday, July 16, 2026, where she emphasized that corruption remains one of the biggest threats to service delivery and Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.

Conveying greetings from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the minister said the President remains concerned that despite government investing billions of shillings in various development programmes, many Ugandans are yet to fully benefit because of corruption, negligence and poor supervision.

“The President has consistently identified corruption as one of the biggest obstacles to national development. Every shilling invested by government must translate into improved services for our people,” Babalanda said.

She noted that government continues to commit huge resources to sectors such as health, education, roads, electricity, agriculture, water and industrialisation, but many projects are undermined by fraudulent practices and weak accountability systems.

The minister cited delayed projects, inflated contracts, poor workmanship, ghost projects, fraudulent payments and the misuse of public resources as some of the challenges frustrating government efforts to improve the livelihoods of Ugandans.

She reminded RDCs that they are the President’s representatives in the districts and therefore have a duty to monitor government programmes and ensure value for money.

Babalanda called on the commissioners to closely supervise all government projects in their areas, regularly inspect service delivery points and promptly report any signs of corruption or abuse of office.

She warned that government will no longer tolerate public officials who misuse taxpayers’ money or deliberately frustrate service delivery.

“Public officials and accounting officers must understand that they bear personal responsibility for ensuring that public funds are used efficiently, transparently and for their intended purposes,” she said.

The minister also urged RDCs to strengthen coordination with local leaders, security agencies and technical officers in order to improve monitoring and accountability at district level.

She further stressed the need for professionalism and integrity among public servants, saying accountability should not only be seen as a legal obligation but also a moral responsibility to the citizens who finance government operations through taxes.

Babalanda encouraged citizens to actively participate in the fight against corruption by reporting cases of fraud, embezzlement, abuse of office and other forms of financial misconduct.

She said public participation is critical in promoting transparency and ensuring that government programmes deliver the intended benefits to communities.

The minister also reminded public officers to avoid conflicts of interest and remain committed to serving the people of Uganda without fear or favour.

She noted that the success of the government’s wealth creation and industrialisation agenda largely depends on prudent financial management, effective monitoring and proper implementation of public projects.

As government intensifies oversight mechanisms, Babalanda warned that any public officer found violating financial management regulations will face disciplinary and legal action.

She concluded by urging RDCs, Deputy RDCs and Assistant RDCs to lead by example and make integrity and accountability the cornerstone of public service.

“Defeating corruption requires collective responsibility from leaders, public officers and citizens alike. Every shilling allocated to development programmes belongs to the people of Uganda and must improve their lives,” she said.