Kakande urges Kigezi leaders to join environmental degradation fight

By Job Namanya

KABALE - Office of the President secretary Hajji Yunus Kakande has urged Kigezi region leaders to take an active role in combating environmental degradation.

Speaking at the closure of a three-day workshop for Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy  RDCs and other officials on February 21, 2025, Kakande emphasized the need for sustainable land use practices, reforestation efforts and climate-resilient agriculture.

“The consequences of environmental degradation are far-reaching and devastating. We must work together to protect and restore our environment for future generations,” Kakande said.

He lamented that Kigezi region, once known as the "Switzerland of Africa" for its breathtaking scenery, is now facing severe environmental threats.

Kakande identified the rampant planting of eucalyptus trees in wetlands as one of the major environmental concerns in the region.

“When I was growing up, I remember reading about terraces in the Kigezi sub-region as a measure to prevent soil erosion. In my evening years, I am witnessing widespread planting of eucalyptus trees. There is a need to change this so that Kigezi remains what it used to be,” he said.

The role of leaders in government programmes

The workshop, held at Cephas Inn Kabale in Kabale district, also aimed to reinforce the fundamental role of leaders in implementing government programmes and supporting the President’s agenda.

Kakande congratulated newly appointed Assistant RDCs and reminded them of the importance of teamwork, respect and open communication in achieving common goals.

“The achievements registered by the NRM government cannot be taken lightly. I urge you to take ownership of these achievements and share them with your communities. Popularise the good work of the NRM party and showcase the impact it has had on our people's lives,” he said.

Kakande emphasized the importance of maintaining the region's peace, stability, and security, particularly as the country approaches the 2026 elections. He urged leaders to sensitise their communities, mobilise support for the NRM Party and provide feedback to the party leadership on the needs and concerns of their communities.

Speaking at the closure of a three-day workshop for Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy  RDCs and other officials on February 21, 2025, Kakande emphasized the need for sustainable land use practices, reforestation efforts and climate-resilient agriculture. (Credit: Job Namanya)

Addressing religious sectarianism

Kakande also urged leaders to help curb growing religious sectarianism in the region: “Help us to stop the divisions between Rushoroza (Catholics) and Rugarama (Anglicans). Combine these groups and let them work together. If the situation is good in Mbarara, Buganda, eastern, and northern Uganda, why can’t it be achieved here? They do not have fundamental differences; they both read the same book, the Bible and thus there should not be any division among them.”

Internal Security Organisation (ISO) deputy director general Col. Emmy Katabazi echoed these concerns, warning that some selfish politicians were using religious differences to divide the masses.

“Our people share similar challenges, but politicians are considering using religious differences to separate them. We should hold meetings with them to forge a solution to this challenge,” he said.

Kabale RDC Godfrey Nyakahuma responded to the plea, noting that deeper engagements are necessary to resolve the issue.

He cited a recent meeting with religious leaders from rival sects that failed to yield significant results due to one sect’s reluctance to participate actively.

"We need to find alternative ways of engaging these leaders so that we reach a common understanding,” Nyakahuma said.

Similarly, Rukiga RDC Zadock Kamusiime called for a regional engagement of all stakeholders to devise sustainable solutions, stressing that sectarianism is a serious threat to the area's stability.

“This problem has been growing over time, and if we do not handle it urgently, it could destabilize our communities,” he said.

Workshop leaves lasting impact

Maj. Martha Asiimwe, the head of the RDC Secretariat in the Office of the President, noted that the three-day workshop had made a significant impact on participants.

“We have taken them through monitoring and evaluation, mobilization skills, alternative dispute resolution, leadership, and team building, among other skills, to ensure quality leadership,” she said.

Mandate of RDCs

The RDC’s office is the primary district-level anti-corruption agency. Article 203 of the 1995 Constitution provides for the establishment of the office of the Resident District/City Commissioner, with key responsibilities including monitoring the implementation of government services, chairing district security committees, and executing other functions assigned by the President or Parliament.

Additionally, the Local Government Act of 1997 mandates RDCs to represent the President in their districts, coordinate government services, advise district leaders on national matters, and oversee local government activities. 

The National Security Council Act of 2000 also designates RDCs as heads of District Security and Intelligence Committees, working closely with security agencies to combat crime.

Beyond these responsibilities, RDCs implement presidential directives, mobilizing the public on key issues such as pandemic awareness, land management, and economic development.

They are also expected to familiarize themselves with relevant laws to execute their duties effectively.