President Yoweri Museveni has undertaken a sweeping reshuffle and appointment of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and their deputies, marking one of the largest administrative overhauls in recent years.
This realignment, which sees 146 RDCs and 163 deputies either newly appointed or reassigned, is being viewed by political analysts as a strategic move to tighten administrative oversight and bolster the government’s grassroots influence ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In his announcement, President Museveni invoked the powers granted by Articles 99 and 203 of the 1995 Constitution, signaling the importance of these roles in ensuring the effective delivery of services and the monitoring of government programs across Uganda. “These appointments are crucial to our mission of enhancing service delivery and ensuring that government programs are implemented effectively,” Museveni stated in a message shared on X (formerly Twitter).
The reshuffle also introduces 10 new Regional Commissioners who will oversee broader areas, providing an additional layer of supervision. Among these key appointments is Maj. Martha Asimwe, who has been named the head of the RDC Secretariat, and Sr. Grace Akiror as her deputy. Other notable appointments include Kyabangi Nakato for Central Buganda, Fredrick Mbagadi Nkayi for Kampala Metropolitan, and Fred Bamwine for Karamoja.
This extensive reshuffle highlights Museveni’s focus on consolidating his administration’s control over local governance structures as the country approaches another electoral cycle. The reorganization is not only seen as preparation for the elections but also as a move to ensure that the government’s development agenda remains on track amid growing political competition.
The effectiveness of these new appointees in their roles will be closely watched, particularly in politically sensitive regions like Kampala Metropolitan and Karamoja. The President’s strategy appears to be aimed at reinforcing loyalty and accountability within the ranks of his administration, which could be critical in navigating the complex dynamics of the upcoming elections.
As Uganda gears up for the 2026 elections, these appointments are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape, with the newly appointed RDCs and Regional Commissioners at the forefront of ensuring the NRM’s influence remains robust across the country.
