By Ouni Jaspher
DOKOLO – Dokolo District leaders are undergoing a 2-day civic education awareness training on civic duties, responsibilities, national interest, vision, values, and common goods, delivered by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance.
The training started today, Thursday 18th June 2026 at 9:00am at the District Council Hall in Dokolo and will run through 19th June 2026. It targets Heads of Department, District Councilors, LCIII Chairpersons, religious leaders, opinion leaders and GISOs.
Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Duties, Jonah Jackson Bakalikwira commonly known as Afande JJ Bakalikwira, delivered a compelling session on nation building, ideology, and the role of leaders in shaping Uganda’s future.
Speaking during the session, he emphasized that for any society to grow, it must return to its foundations, values, and shared identity.
He reminded the leaders that nation building is a collective responsibility and every citizen, regardless of age or political party, has a role to play. “Nation Building is for a generation that is serious, resilient & committed to progress,” he said.
The training was organized by the Office of the Resident District Commissioner Akech Babra following communication from the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. Under the theme “Instilling ideological consciousness and mindset change for District and improved service delivery for socio-economic transformation,” the sessions are equipping leaders with knowledge and tools to promote informed citizenship, national values, and active community participation for development.
Resident District Commissioner of Dokolo Barbra Akech asked leaders to be the pillar of development in their areas of leadership.
She said government has injected too much money to support community programs but leaders should guide implementation so that the community gets out of poverty.
According to Akech, the training should remind stakeholders about their roles and keep the community at heart so that they work as a team to fight against corruption.
Grandfield Omonda, the Chief Administrative Officer of Dokolo, emphasized that leaders should give accountability and services to the community effectively.
Rev. Sam Omiat and Rev. Ven. Capt. Julius Otuke, who attended the training, confirmed that everyone has the capacity to change their reasoning but implementing it still remains a challenge.
Rose Akello Erem, former LC3 Chairperson of Dokolo Town Council, said the bypassing of sub-county leaders causes lack of community awareness on government programs. She blamed the central government and different ministries for this gap.
Most leaders who attended the training said the multiparty system sometimes contributes to failure as leaders claim “it’s time for this party, let them lead, our time is coming.”
Dokolo District is among other districts across the country selected by the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance for training of local leaders.
