By Fred Baluku, Kasese District
Uganda’s 2026 elections will be remembered as a defining moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
Across the country, voters demonstrated their will, unity, and commitment to progress, resulting in a decisive victory for the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
But behind this success were unsung heroes, the Assistant Resident District Commissioners (ARDCs) and Assistant Resident City Commissioners (ARCCs), whose dedication, leadership, and grassroots engagement turned opposition strongholds into NRM victories.
In April 2024, President Yoweri Museveni and the Office of the President made a bold move, the appointment of Assistant RDCs and ARCCs to reinforce the capacity of RDCs and RCCs.
The decision, aimed at strengthening leadership at the grassroots, was met with some skepticism.
However, the assistants proved their worth by enhancing voter education, engaging communities, and ensuring that citizens’ voices were heard—regardless of political affiliation.
From Opposition Strongholds to NRM Wins
The impact of Assistant RDCs and ARCCs was felt nationwide:
︎ Kasese: Once a stronghold of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Kasese recorded more than 80% of votes for NRM across all positions.
︎ Lira City: Traditionally under the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), Lira City saw a dramatic swing to NRM, with the party securing over 80% of votes.
︎ Kampala: In the capital, long dominated by the National Unity Platform (NUP), assistants helped bridge the gap between government and residents, resulting in unprecedented NRM support.
From Karamoja to Buganda, Acholi to West Nile, assistants’ efforts built trust, fostered dialogue, and strengthened connections between government and communities.
Experts say the success of Assistant RDCs and ARCCs was not just in political mobilization but in mentorship and collaborative leadership.
Working closely with RDCs and RCCs, assistants trained local leaders to become credible messengers of NRM policies, creating a sense of ownership and trust among communities.
This approach improved voter turnout, encouraged citizen engagement, and ensured government programs were implemented effectively and transparently.
The 2026 elections demonstrate the power of strategic leadership and grassroots engagement.
By empowering Assistant RDCs and ARCCs, the President ensured that leadership extended beyond titles to real, tangible impact on communities.
Political analysts note that this model of mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement could serve as a blueprint for future elections and local governance in Uganda.
Assistant RDCs and ARCCs have proven to be pivotal in Uganda’s democratic process.
Their commitment, teamwork, and focus on the people’s needs helped secure a decisive victory for NRM, reshaped opposition territories, and strengthened local governance. As Uganda moves forward, the role of these unsung heroes will be remembered as a key pillar in the country’s political and democratic development.
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