The Office of the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) in Gulu intensified grassroots mobilization and sensitization on various government programs during a successful meeting held on Monday, December 28, 2023. The gathering focused on key initiatives, including the implementation of Presidential Executive Order No.3 concerning the charcoal business, eviction of cattle keepers with unfenced farms, and an overview of the four principles of the NRM ideology.
The participants, including LC1, LC2, and Rwodi Kweri Sub County leaders, both technical and political, convened in Omel Sub County, Gulu district. The meeting addressed critical topics such as the Five Sectors economy, emphasizing production/agriculture, industry, services, and ICT, which collectively contribute to almost 90% of employment opportunities for Ugandans.
During the closing remarks, Cosmas James Okidi, DRDC, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and security during the festive season. He extended good wishes for a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year to all participants.
Reflecting on the community engagement, Okidi acknowledged that there is a knowledge and information gap among locals, leading to blame on the government for not being aware of beneficial programs. He emphasized the role of technical staff in bridging this gap and highlighted the lack of information among locals, even though they are willing to embrace government programs.
In response to these findings, the DRDC’s office launched a series of trips, starting on December 18, 2023, covering all lower administrative units to engage with local people and address service delivery gaps. The presentations during these engagements covered various community projects, with a focus on the four-acre model and the Five Sectors economy, which encompasses agriculture, industry, services, and ICT.
Additionally, the four principles of the NRM ideology—patriotism, Pan Africanism, democracy, and social-economic transformation—were presented to the communities. The locals, upon learning about the government’s efforts in combating poverty, expressed appreciation for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s steady progress. They pledged their support for him in the upcoming 2026 elections, emphasizing the desire for continuous social-economic transformation.
This grassroots initiative aims to bridge the information gap, empower communities, and foster support for government initiatives at the local level.
