In a bid to combat household poverty and boost economic growth, NRM Secretary General Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong has urged newly appointed Assistant Resident District and City Commissioners (RDCs/RCCs) to prioritize mobilizing the population towards commercial agriculture.
Speaking at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi district, where the new commissioners are undergoing a two-week orientation retreat, Todwong outlined the crucial role they play in driving wealth creation and sustaining family livelihoods.
"Your role is to ensure that the population where you have been deployed engages in meaningful production through embracing wealth creation programs like the Parish Development Model and emyooga among others to sustain their families," Todwong emphasized.
He highlighted that economic empowerment through these programs is essential for maintaining peace and stability within the country.
"With poverty, there is no peace. There are always quarrels in the family which leads to an increase in domestic violence and street children in urban centers,"
he added, linking household poverty directly to broader social issues.
Todwong further urged the commissioners to align their efforts with President Museveni’s strategic guidance, focusing on the four key sectors: ICT, industrialization, commercial agriculture, and the services industry.
"This is the only way to create employment opportunities for the educated young people, wealth creation, and prosperity for all," he stated,
underscoring the broader economic benefits of their mobilization efforts.Discipline and cooperation were also key points in Todwong's address.
He cautioned the Assistant RDCs/RCCs against engaging in conflicts with other district leaders, as such disputes could hinder effective service delivery.
"It is better to engage other officials in the district for advice to avoid unnecessary fights," he advised
promoting a collaborative approach to leadership and governance.In addition to fostering economic development and cooperation, Todwong called on the new commissioners to take an active stance against corruption within public service.
"We lose a lot of money to corrupt officials and it is your mandate to save the taxpayers' money," he said,
stressing the importance of integrity and accountability in their roles.The orientation at NALI is designed to equip the Assistant RDCs/RCCs with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively monitor the performance of government programs in their respective districts.
This includes ensuring that government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and emyooga are properly implemented and benefit the intended populations.As they prepare to take up their duties, the new commissioners are tasked with the significant responsibility of driving economic growth and reducing poverty through enhanced agricultural practices and community mobilization.
Their success in these roles is seen as vital to achieving broader national goals of stability, prosperity, and improved public service delivery.In conclusion, Todwong's address underscores the critical intersection of economic empowerment, good governance, and social stability.
By focusing on commercial agriculture and adhering to the strategic directives set forth, the new Assistant RDCs/RCCs are positioned to make a substantial impact on their communities and contribute to the nation's development.