Karamoja leaders urged to support government development programmes
KOTIDO, May 28, 2026 — In a deliberate move to ensure that billions of shillings allocated to government wealth-creation initiatives translate into tangible transformation, Maj. Martha Asiimwe, Head of the Resident District Commissioner [RDC] Secretariat and the Anti-Corruption Unit in the Office of the President, has launched an intensive monitoring campaign across the Karamoja Sub-region.
Addressing district leaders, technical officers and security representatives during high-level engagements in Nakapiripirit and Amudat districts, Asiimwe called for transparency, collaborative leadership and a zero-tolerance approach to corruption.
The monitoring exercise specifically targets the implementation of the Parish Development Model [PDM], Emyooga and the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme [UWEP], which are central to the government’s mission of lifting citizens out of abject poverty.
Asiimwe reminded the leaders that the RDC Secretariat and the Anti-Corruption Unit were established by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in 2018 with a singular and non-negotiable mission: to ensure that government services reach “the last person in the last village”.
“We are not here to decorate offices,” Asiimwe stated firmly. “We are here to ensure services reach ordinary citizens. Our presence in the field is intended to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that every shilling allocated to the PDM, Emyooga and UWEP improves livelihoods at the grassroots.”
She emphasised that, for Karamoja to achieve socio-economic transformation, leaders must rise above political divisions. Commending the region for aligning with the President’s vision ahead of the 2026 General Elections, she urged leaders to focus on unity.
“Elections come and go, but service to the people must continue without division. Leaders must work together across political, technical and security structures to deliver results that matter to the wananchi,” she added.
The scale of government investment in Karamoja is significant. According to data from the RDC Secretariat, Nakapiripirit District has so far received Shs12.8 billion under the PDM, while Amudat District has received Shs4.4 billion. The funds are intended to support enterprise development, financial inclusion and local production.
Asiimwe warned that these investments would only be effective if protected from mismanagement. She noted that although government interventions are already transforming lives, they remain threatened by the “triple evils” of corruption, poor supervision and misuse of funds.
“The fight against corruption must start with us as leaders,” she declared. “Theft of medicines, absenteeism among public servants and misuse of PDM funds deny wananchi the quality services they deserve. We will not tolerate the diversion of resources meant for the poor.”
The monitoring exercise extends beyond direct cash transfers. Asiimwe called for a rigorous audit of infrastructure projects, including schools, health facilities, roads and water sources. She also issued a stern warning to contractors delivering shoddy work, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate substandard projects that waste taxpayers’ money.
“H.E. the President and the Government of Uganda continue to invest heavily in infrastructure,” she said. “Leaders must ensure that every coin allocated serves its intended purpose. We must see value for money in every bridge built and every classroom roofed.”
On human capital development, Asiimwe challenged leaders to address systemic issues within the education sector. She highlighted the need to eliminate illegal school charges and tackle teacher absenteeism, while promoting vocational skills and science-based learning to empower Uganda’s youth, whom she described as the country’s “greatest asset”.
The Head of the RDC Secretariat also paid tribute to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces [UPDF] for their role in maintaining peace and stability in Karamoja. She reiterated that security remains the bedrock of development, echoing the President’s key pillars for national transformation: peace, infrastructure, wealth creation and job creation.
To sustain this progress, she urged leaders to intensify civic education efforts. Through barazas [community meetings], radio talk shows and village gatherings, leaders should educate communities about their rights and the opportunities available through government programmes.
“Government programmes are not favours; they are the rights of citizens,” she emphasised. “Leaders must educate communities, expose corruption and encourage accountability and patriotism.”
As the monitoring team continues its work across the Karamoja Sub-region, the message remains clear: teamwork is essential. Maj. Asiimwe called for seamless coordination between Resident District Commissioners [RDCs], Chief Administrative Officers [CAOs], district chairpersons and security agencies.
“To RDCs, civil servants and security actors, remain professional and serve above self,” she concluded. “Service delivery is our priority, unity is our strength, accountability is our responsibility and transformation is our mission.”
The RDC Secretariat and the Office of the President have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding these programmes, ensuring that the benefits of the PDM, Emyooga and UWEP reach every household across Karamoja and ultimately fulfil the promise of a prosperous and self-sustaining region.
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