The Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Rt Hon Richard Todwong, has urged leaders to engage more closely with their constituents to ensure effective service delivery and accountability.
“It starts with us as leaders. We have become too comfortable in our offices and disconnected from the people who need us most. This must change,” Todwong stated.
Todwong made these remarks on Tuesday, at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi district while addressing local government leaders from Yumbe, Masaka, Kibuku, Kibaale, and Kiboga districts. The leaders are currently attending a retreat focused on transformative leadership.
The training, organized by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) and the Patriotism Secretariat, aims to equip leaders with strategies to enhance their leadership skills and promote sustainable development in their communities.
Todwong emphasized the need for leaders to make their homes and offices more accessible to the public, stressing that genuine interaction is essential for understanding and addressing the needs of the community.
“What benefits you should also benefit the people you lead. Share your knowledge and be the catalyst for positive change,” he added.
The Secretary-General also highlighted the government’s commitment to infrastructure development, mentioning recent projects like the signing of a new loan agreement for constructing a bridge over the Laropi River.
“Our government has laid the foundation; it’s now up to us, the leaders, to ensure our people know how to effectively utilize these resources,” Todwong said.
He called for a shift in focus from individual success to collective well-being, urging leaders to prioritize solutions that benefit entire communities. “Why are people still poor when there is peace, infrastructure, and road funds being allocated to all districts? The answer lies in our approach as leaders,” he noted.
Todwong also stressed the importance of engaging with the younger generation, pointing out that many young people do not fully understand the country’s history and the evolution of its political landscape.
“We need to adjust our messaging and approach to effectively communicate with and involve young people in the nation’s development,” he urged.
The leadership training is expected to have a significant impact on the participating districts. By empowering local leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge, the program aims to foster a culture of effective governance, leading to improved service delivery and a better quality of life for citizens.
