Dear RDCs and RCCs,

Receive warm greetings from Eastern Uganda, a region blessed with diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and resilient communities. I congratulate you on your appointment, which is a victory in itself, considering the rigorous selection process and high expectations that come with these roles. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.” Remember, your roles are not just about authority, but about empowering others.

To the incumbents, it’s quite relieving that the trust is still on, and you have another opportunity to build on your achievements and address pending challenges. Perhaps you’re doing great in fulfilling the intended roles and already established framework, and we encourage you to continue innovating and improving service delivery. As Mahatma Gandhi cautioned, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Keep your focus on serving the people, and you’ll find your way.

To the new entrants, of course, I know you’ll have a comprehensive briefing on what you’re expected to do by your seniors, who have invaluable experience and insights to share. Incumbents will share with you how they’ve managed to hold on for the second or third time, and you’ll learn from their successes and setbacks. Perhaps to some of you, it’s the next goal, and we welcome your fresh perspectives and energy.

Uganda, our motherland, is a country in East Africa rich in resources, philanthropy, and tourism potential. Hopefully, you remember when we were told to smile, show warm reception to visitors, and, of course, the dramatic events in our parliament that have shaped our political landscape. As leaders, you’ll play a crucial role in promoting our country’s image, attracting investments, and fostering national unity. In the face of challenges, draw inspiration from Wangari Maathai: “The environment and the economy are really both sides of the same coin. You cannot sustain the economy if you don’t take care of the environment.” Balance development with sustainability, and you’ll create a brighter future.

However, as you take office, you must be aware of the dire conditions faced by our country, specifically at the district level, where service delivery is often hindered by limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and capacity gaps. Service delivery is a critical aspect of your mandate, and you will be responsible for monitoring implementation and coordinating efforts across various sectors, including health, education, and infrastructure development.

As you navigate your roles, beware of the pitfalls that can hinder your progress. Avoid the temptation to prioritize personal interests over public service, and steer clear of corruption, nepotism, and favoritism. Don’t get bogged down in bureaucracy and red tape, and refrain from making empty promises that can erode trust. Be cautious of complacency and the status quo, and instead, foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Remember that true leadership is not about personal gain, but about serving the people and leaving a lasting legacy. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll be able to maintain the trust and confidence of your constituents and continue to excel in your roles.

The key point is that your primary responsibility is to ensure that services are delivered effectively to the people, who have entrusted you with their lives and livelihoods. This means keeping a close eye on schools, hospitals, and roads, and ensuring they receive the resources they need to thrive. It also means working with stakeholders to implement projects and programs that drive real change, and investing in people and initiatives that uplift and support our communities, especially the most vulnerable populations.

As you work to improve service delivery and address the challenges in your districts, remember to engage with the communities you serve, listen to their concerns, involve them in the decision-making process, and work collaboratively with local leaders and stakeholders. This inclusive approach will help you build trust, foster ownership, and create sustainable solutions that truly benefit the people.

In conclusion, go forth and lead with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. Remember, together, we can achieve greatness. As the African proverb goes, “When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.” We believe in you, and we trust that you will rise to the challenge. You are the leaders we need, and we are confident that together, we can build a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and our country.

The Author is a Researcher Political Commentator and Social Worker Email: odekebazel2@gmail.com