KAMPALA, UGANDA – The Office of the President on Monday, September 15, 2025, officially flagged off a delegation of 40 Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) for a specialized training program on business and entrepreneurship in India.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The initiative, fully sponsored by the Government of India, aims to equip the RDCs with practical skills to cascade down to the communities they serve upon their return.
A testament to the deepening bilateral cooperation between the two nations, the program is strategically focused on fostering tangible economic empowerment and catalyzing sustainable, community-driven development.
Florence Kiremerwa, the Special Presidential Assistant on Diaspora Issues, highlighted that this is the second phase of the training program, following an initial session held in February where RDCs underwent a three-week capacity-building course.
She emphasized that every participant was fully aligned on the training’s mission and metrics for success, thanks to a detailed preparatory briefing that set a clear and actionable agenda.
Marry Grace Akiror, the Deputy Head of the RDC Secretariat, highlighted the importance of the program in strengthening the role of RDCs as key stakeholders in monitoring government programs and engaging with communities.
She stated that the RDCs, who monitor government programs and interact with vast segments of the population, are uniquely positioned to disseminate their newly acquired knowledge.
Grace further noted that the skills acquired from the training will enable the officials to ensure that people at the grassroots level benefit by gaining practical knowledge to engage in productive activities for the development of their communities.
“When they pick skills from India, it will help them to ensure that the people at the grassroots benefit and learn to do something with their hands for the benefit of their communities,” Akiror said.
Echoing this sentiment, Kamusiime Zadok, the Rukiga District Resident District Commissioner, pointed out that the training will be particularly beneficial for regions with unique challenges, such as areas with small landholdings like Kigezi.
He expressed strong belief that the knowledge gained from India will empower him and his colleagues to enlighten communities on suitable developmental projects and implementation strategies.
His Excellency Upender Singh Rawat, the Indian High Commissioner to Uganda, was on hand to reassure the delegates of the program’s value.
He declared the RDCs would return as a transformative force, thoroughly equipped to ignite progress and serve as direct catalysts for positive change within their districts.
“After their course, they will come equipped with knowledge to change their communities and also enhance the skills of others,” Rawat said.
The delegation is expected to undergo an intensive curriculum covering various aspects of modern business practices, entrepreneurial leadership, and community-based project management, all tailored to be applicable within the Ugandan context.