Power Struggles Between RDCS and Assistants Hinder Service Delivery in Local Governments

The Ankole Times

Philosophers often say that when two people meet, one tends to perceive themselves as superior to the other. This analogy reflects the ongoing struggles for dominance among various Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and their juniors.

In criminal law, particularly concerning capital offenses, police may arrest someone without a warrant; however, case law typically mandates that an arrest warrant be obtained before detaining individuals.




Effective district management requires heads of security committees to provide clear directives on responding to specific issues in schools or hospitals. This means junior RDCs should report their findings to their superiors or during security committee meetings.




Consequently, the recent trend of RDCs and their powerful assistants ordering the arrest of headteachers and local government staff may be unlawful. It is procedurally correct to bring such observations before the security committee for discussion, after which appropriate action can be considered. The current trend of asserting dominance can lead to dangerous situations.




A conflict over superiority is brewing in districts, often between the Local Council V (LCV) chairpersons and the Resident District Commissioners. Both Assistant Resident Commissioners and RDCs sometimes believe they are above the district chairpersons, while LCV chairpersons assert that RDCs should report to them.

I hope the government has clarified this issue, or whether it requires constitutional interpretation. Some may argue that this is a trivial matter that does not warrant court intervention regarding who holds more authority. Political leaders should lower their egos and focus on serving the public, which is the primary reason they hold their positions.

I am aware that I may not have the standing to reprimand Assistant Resident District Commissioners, but my commentary arises from the increasing literature circulating across various platforms in different districts, which is becoming a public nuisance.




I recall a particular district where an RDC would order the arrest of public officials over corruption, only for his deputy to plead for their release. Imagine the inconsistency from the same office.

Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) are appointed by the president under Article 203 of the Constitution, with their roles clearly defined in Article 203(a)(b), which includes monitoring both central and local government services within the district. Additionally, they are expected to act as chairpersons of their district’s security committees.

An analysis of this constitutional provision indicates that RDCs and their assistants act as chairpersons of security committees, but they do not function as such daily. They convene meetings and are merely administrators outside of these gatherings. The law was deliberately crafted not to refer to them as chairmen or chairwomen of the District (City) security committees but as chairpersons, highlighting the nuance in terminology.




Social media has been rife with reports indicating tension between RDCs and their assistants in several districts, which I am reluctant to specify for ethical reasons. While RDCs are creations of the Ugandan Constitution, appointed under Article 203, Assistant RDCs should closely consult with their superiors before taking decisive actions, such as closing schools or arresting public officials.

Proper administrative practice dictates that Assistant RDCs refrain from making public statements that contradict government policy and instead bring their findings to the full RDC for guidance.

This collaborative approach ensures that issues are blessed by the entire security team and discussed comprehensively before any action is taken. The law does not designate Assistant RDCs as deputy security heads; this role may only be inferred through practice.

Furthermore, it is inappropriate for RDCs to conduct themselves as military personnel. Ninety percent of RDCs in Uganda are civilians and should remain so. I recall with concern an incident involving an RDC who intimidated a lawyer in Mbale by threatening, “I can shoot you.” RDCs do not possess the authority to use firearms in such a manner; weapons should be viewed as tools for enforcement, not intimidation.

To facilitate cooperation between newly appointed Assistant Resident District Commissioners (ARDCs) and their senior counterparts, teamwork is essential rather than confrontation.







Both RDCs and Assistant RDCs, including substantive deputies, are appointed by the president, yet they do so under different legal frameworks, which can have implications. One might argue that the Constitution and the Local Governments Act do not carry equal legal weight.

By law, all Deputy RDCs are appointed under the Local Governments Act, Section 72, and are categorized as employees of the RDC’s office.

I recognize that these concerns are likely known to the relevant parties, but it is worth reiterating their importance.

It is good administrative practice to discuss findings from field monitoring and to cross-check with key players like the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) or District Education Officer (DEO) rather than hastily detaining headteachers and other officials.

Consulting widely can prevent unnecessary arrests over trivial matters, which may burden the courts. Research indicates that 90% of civil servants arrested for maladministration often win their cases in court.

My appeal to these new officers is to always consult their seniors before issuing public statements or hastily detaining citizens. The police should also ensure there are justifiable grounds for any arrests. Working as a cohesive team is far more beneficial than undermining each other as RDCs.

They should report issues to the State House or relevant offices while ensuring that the law is followed, particularly regarding whether RDCs have the authority to arrest corrupt individuals or if they should inform the relevant agencies tasked with combating corruption.

Masiga Steven is a legal scholar and writer from Mbale. Tel: 0782231577.

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