Summary:
- Todwong emphasized the importance of personal growth and aligning leadership efforts with the four factors of production land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship to drive community development.
GULU: The NRM Secretary General, Rt Hon. Richard Todwong, has urged leaders to continuously seek knowledge and guidance to enhance their leadership, ensure effective representation, and improve service delivery.
Speaking to Gulu City leaders at O3 Lounge, Todwong emphasized the importance of personal growth and aligning leadership efforts with the four factors of production land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship to drive community development.
“As leaders, there are aspects of ourselves that we must identify and improve to enhance our leadership. How well do you know yourself? Are you confident that you are in the right position? Do you trust in your capabilities?” Todwong challenged the leaders.
He stressed that leadership goes beyond guiding others, highlighting the need for continuous self-improvement to better serve the people.
“Leadership is not just about leading others; it’s about growing yourself to effectively serve your community,” he added.
Todwong also underscored the significance of the four factors of production in achieving socio-economic transformation and realizing the goals outlined in the NRM manifesto and national development plans.
“Leadership is fundamentally about understanding and utilizing the four factors of production. As leaders, you must learn to leverage land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship to create opportunities and improve the livelihoods of your people,” he explained.
Citing the success of government initiatives like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Todwong illustrated how programs can transform crops such as sweet potatoes and soybeans into profitable commercial products, demonstrating the practical application of these economic principles.
He cautioned against the prevalent “NGO Mindset” in some communities, where there is an over-reliance on donations and aid rather than proactive efforts to improve household incomes.
“We have brought back the NGO mindset from the camps into our homes. It is your duty as leaders to shift this mentality and empower your people to become self-reliant,” he urged.
Todwong further encouraged councillors to collaborate closely with technocrats and other stakeholders to ensure effective governance. He emphasized that leadership is a collective effort that thrives on shared knowledge, strategic planning, and accountability.
“Your role is to make meaningful contributions during your tenure so that future generations inherit a better society. Governance is a long-term process, and the actions you take today will shape the future of Gulu City and Uganda as a whole,” he concluded.
