Kampala: Hon. Hanifa Karadi, former Resident District Commissioner and aspirant for Kawempe North Member of Parliament, has been shortlisted for appointment as State Minister for Internal Affairs, sources close to the nomination process have confirmed.
The development has been welcomed across Kawempe and beyond, with stakeholders citing Karadi’s long record of public service, grassroots mobilization, and patriotism.
Currently serving as Commander of Nkuyege Think Tank, an NRM pressure group operating in Kawempe North, across Kawempe Division, and in communities countrywide, Karadi has led civic initiatives focused on education, sanitation, youth mentorship, and public awareness of government programs. Under her leadership, the Think Tank anchored national messaging around the theme “Protecting the Gains” during recent presidential campaigns, credited with mobilizing and converting thousands of citizens in Kampala.
Described by colleagues as a tested, tried and trusted cadre, Karadi is recognized for unique mobilization skills and a consistent record of taking government closer to the people. Through community barazas, door-to-door outreach, and media engagements, she has taught communities about programs in health, education, wealth creation, and security, and about citizen responsibilities in national development.
“She has been at the forefront of patriotism activities nationwide and a champion of mindset change for socio-economic transformation,” a close associate stated. “Her strength has been explaining government in a language the people understand.”
Karadi’s public service spans multiple roles. She has served as Resident District Commissioner and in other government capacities where she gained experience in administration, public relations, and community liaison. In those roles, she represented Uganda in engagements with international partners, including as the sole Ugandan representative among seven developing African countries on a course in China focused on development. Colleagues say the exposure helped her project Uganda’s development agenda and values to the outside world.
Academically, Karadi is widely educated. She holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Administrative Law, among other qualifications. Supporters argue that the combination of academic grounding and field experience positions her to handle the technical and policy demands of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
The ministry oversees critical areas including immigration, NGO regulation, and coordination on internal security — portfolios that require administrative competence, integrity, and public trust.
Beyond government, Karadi is Director of Life Mothering Community Foundation, an organization involved in community welfare and empowerment programs. In Kawempe, residents recall her work on clean-up campaigns, voter education, and dialogue forums aimed at fostering peace and civic responsibility.
“Karadi is a leader who listens and delivers. She loves her country with passion — ‘My Country, My Identity’ is how she lives it,” said a local leader in Kawempe North.
If confirmed following vetting by Parliament, Karadi would bring to the ministry experience in mobilization, governance, institutional coordination, and public communication. Appointing authorities are expected to forward the shortlist for parliamentary review in the coming weeks.
As Uganda continues to strengthen service delivery and citizen participation, analysts say leaders with grassroots grounding and a record of national service will be key to bridging government institutions and communities.
Stakeholders in Kampala and across the country expressed optimism that her nomination reflects a commitment to appointing leaders with proven dedication to the country.
