Dr. Gad Rugaju Calls for Reflection and Renewed Discipline as 2026 Nears Its Close

By Barasa Richard for Osmara Digital Media, Eastern Uganda Correspondent

UGANDA — Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kihiihi-Kanungu District Dr. Ahimbisibwe Gad Rugaju has called on Ugandans to use the remaining months of 2026 to confront unfulfilled goals, abandon habits that undermine progress and turn personal commitments into measurable action.

Dr. Rugaju’s message places particular emphasis on personal accountability, warning that New Year resolutions often lose meaning when they are not supported by consistent daily discipline. He urged individuals to assess what they have accomplished, identify what has held them back and make practical adjustments rather than waiting for another calendar year to begin.

He said the assessment should consider both progress and setbacks, including achievements such as starting a business, returning to school, improving savings or strengthening family relationships. At the same time, individuals should honestly examine behaviours that may be limiting their progress.

Among the habits he identified as potential obstacles are prayerlessness, excessive sleeping, alcohol abuse, unnecessary social engagements and idle conversations, purposeless travel, sexual immorality and involvement in conflicts that consume time and energy without producing meaningful results.

Dr. Rugaju said meaningful improvement requires people to convert broad intentions into specific actions. Someone seeking financial discipline, for example, can establish a savings target, while a person seeking to overcome a destructive habit can identify the circumstances and relationships that reinforce it and take deliberate steps to change them.

People-Pleasing and Principled Leadership

Dr. Rugaju also cautioned against excessive people-pleasing, arguing that the constant pursuit of approval can weaken personal judgment and make it difficult for individuals to establish appropriate boundaries.

He said being helpful and generous should remain a choice guided by responsibility rather than an obligation created by the expectations of others. For leaders in particular, he said decisions should be guided by what is right, fair and beneficial to the wider community rather than by the desire to remain popular.

“A people pleaser seeks approval; a principled leader seeks what is correct, just, and beneficial to the whole community,” he said.

Discipline as a Leadership Responsibility

Dr. Rugaju compared personal accountability to performance reviews conducted by organisations, where results are assessed, weaknesses identified and strategies adjusted. He said individuals can apply the same approach to their use of time, finances, relationships and opportunities.

He also warned against allowing unnecessary disputes and distractions to consume energy that could instead be directed towards productive responsibilities. The ability to distinguish between important obligations and avoidable distractions, he said, is part of maturity and effective leadership.

His argument is that leadership begins with personal conduct. Those entrusted with responsibility in families, workplaces, organisations or public institutions need the ability to manage their own priorities before effectively directing others.

Biblical Basis for the Message

Dr. Rugaju grounded his message in Christian teachings on accountability and the wise use of time. He cited Lamentations 3:40, which calls on believers to examine their ways and return to the Lord, as a basis for personal assessment.

He also referred to Ephesians 5:15–16, which encourages believers to live wisely and make the most of their opportunities. In addressing specific behaviours, he cited Proverbs 6:9–11 concerning laziness and excessive sleep, Ephesians 5:18 on drunkenness and 1 Corinthians 6:18 on sexual immorality.

He further referenced Habakkuk 2:2–3, which encourages believers to write down their vision and remain committed to it, arguing that clear objectives must be accompanied by practical effort.

Rethinking the Crossover

Dr. Rugaju said the traditional crossover should be understood as more than a change of dates, arguing that meaningful transformation is demonstrated through conduct rather than declarations.

“True crossover is when your character crosses over,” he said, describing this as a movement from prayerlessness to prayerfulness, irresponsibility to diligence and destructive choices to more constructive conduct.

“Do not ask God for a new year. Ask God for a new you in the remaining days of this year,” Dr. Rugaju said.

Who Is Dr. Gad A. Rugaju?

Dr. Ahimbisibwe Gad Rugaju is a Ugandan administrator, leadership scholar and motivational speaker. He holds a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Northwestern International Christian University in the United States, a Master of Management Leadership and Administration from Breakthrough International University in the United States and an honorary doctorate, DCM Honoris Causa.

He serves as Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kihiihi-Kanungu District under the Office of the President of the Republic of Uganda and is a former Intelligence Officer with the Internal Security Organisation. His public engagements have focused on leadership, public service, personal development and community transformation.