A prominent human rights activist has shed light on the recent transfer of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) Saleh Kamba and Major David Matovu, a move that has sparked debate within government circles.
Abdul Komakech, an activist from Gulu, has criticised Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja over her recent letter to Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda.
In the letter dated 20 January, Nabbanja challenged the minister’s authority to transfer RDCs and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), arguing that such decisions lie solely with President Yoweri Museveni.
“I find this irregular because the mandate to appoint and transfer RDCs and RCCs lies with H.E. The President as stipulated under Articles 99 and 203 of the Constitution of Uganda,” Nabbanja stated in the letter.
Her remarks followed complaints from some RDCs who opposed their transfers, questioning the minister’s authority.
However, Komakech believes the prime minister’s argument is flawed, noting that previous Ministers of the Presidency have always executed such transfers under delegated authority.
Komakech cites Article 99(4) of the Ugandan Constitution, which states that the President may delegate his executive functions to other authorities as prescribed by law.
He argues that this provision ensures administrative efficiency and enables ministers to execute their roles effectively.
“Therefore, the Minister for the Presidency, acting under such delegated authority, is well within the legal framework to execute transfers of RDCs and RCCs,” Komakech said.
He referred to the case of Amos Mugisha v. Uganda, in which a challenge was brought against a detention order signed by the Minister for the Presidency.
The court upheld the minister’s authority, affirming that they acted within delegated powers from the President.
According to Komakech, this legal precedent reinforces the legitimacy of the recent transfers.
Beyond the legal debate, Komakech pointed to allegations surrounding one of the transferred officials, Saleh Kamba.
He claimed Kamba has been linked to corruption scandals, attempts to defraud investors, and land-grabbing allegations.
“His transfer should not be viewed as a personal or political attack but as a strategic decision to protect Uganda’s investment climate from fraudulent practices,” Komakech said.
He also criticised the reported close relationship between certain RDCs and high-ranking officials, arguing that such ties could undermine their independence.
He cited Major Matovu’s alleged neglect of his duties in Kakumiro as an example of RDCs being co-opted into personal networks.
Komakech urged government officials to resolve such disputes through private consultations rather than public statements, warning that open confrontations risk creating confusion and undermining public confidence in government operations.
“Public letters of this kind, while transparent, risk creating unnecessary alarm and confusion among citizens. Dialogue within the appropriate channels would foster unity and reinforce the integrity of public administration,” he added.
The controversy has highlighted tensions over the roles and powers of different government officials, as well as concerns over accountability and governance within Uganda’s administrative structures.
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