Denis Twahika, a Law student at Makerere University has petitioned the Attorney General Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka seeking his immediate intervention on the way how the Appointments of the Residents District and City Commissioners were conducted by the Office of the Ministry of Presidency led by Hon. Milly Babalanda.
In his April 18, petition seen by this Website, Twahika requested Hon Kiwanuka for a clarification/Interpretation of Article 203(2) of the Constitution with respect to the appointment of Resident District Commissioner-RDC(s)
The said Article 203 states that “There shall be for each district a resident district Commissioner who shall be appointed by the President,”
The same Article adds that for a person to be appointed a resident district commissioner he or she shall be a Citizen of Uganda and QUALIFIED TO BE A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT.
“Are all RDCs recently appointed qualified to be Members of Parliament?” he asked.
He further argues out Article 80(1) which talks about the qualifications of a member of Parliament as stated hereunder,
“A person is qualified to be a member of Parliament if that person;
a) is a citizen of Uganda
b) is a registered Voter; and has completed a minimum formal education of ADVANCED LEVEL STANDARD or its equivalent which shall be established in a manner and at a time prescribed by Parliament by law,“
Based on the above grounds, Twahika told Kiwanuka that Article 203(2) was not adhered to in the recent appointment of many resident district Commissioners. “There is overwhelming evidence to suggest and even support the proposition that ‘ many RDCs appointed recently do not qualify to stand as Members of Parliament’ which is a constitutional requirement, and it is couched in ‘mandatory terms shall,” reads part of the petition.
“I Kindly beg that your office carry out an inquiry against this Constitutional violation, rectify this mistake by subjecting every RDC and their Deputies to avail your office with all particulars concerning Voter registration, Citizenship, and academic qualifications, at least in the next 14 days (starting 19th April 2022)…This will help in maintaining our country on the constitutional pass and entrench the culture of the rule ushered in by the NRM government,” he added
Twahika further requested Kiwanuka take upon his good office to respond to his inquiries in 14 days(the counting date is 19th April 2022) this will prevent further unnecessary inconveniences.
Twahika’s petition follows a recent query by a section of the public over the appointment of the recent RDCs.
David Kabanda, the MP for Kasambya County accused Minister Babalanda’s office of soliciting Shs20m from people before handing the RDC positions to them.
He further alleges that some sitting RDCs who failed to raise this money were reportedly dropped.
The recent reshuffles saw some big wigs being transferred for example Kampala RCC Hudu Hussein, was transferred to Yumbe district.
