The Ministry of Local Government has warned public servants against contesting in the ongoing Local Council elections without first resigning from public service, saying such participation violates the law governing political neutrality in the public service.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Minister of Local Government Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi reminded teachers, health workers, administrative staff, extension workers and other government employees that they must lawfully vacate public office before seeking elective positions in Local Council structures.
The Minister said the directive follows reports that some public officers in local governments have expressed interest in contesting or are participating in the ongoing Administrative Unit Elections for Local Council I and Local Council II while continuing to hold public office.
"Public servants are not eligible to contest in Local Council elections unless they have lawfully vacated public office," Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi said.
He explained that Section 129(5) of the Local Governments Act requires any public officer seeking election to a Local Council office to resign at least 30 days before nomination in accordance with the procedures governing their employment.
The Minister said the requirement applies to all public officers, including employees of government departments and agencies, Local Councils and government-controlled institutions.
According to the Ministry, the law is intended to safeguard the neutrality, integrity and impartiality of the public service.
Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi emphasized that public officers must not engage in partisan political activities while serving in government.
"Public officers are required to maintain political neutrality in the discharge of their official duties and are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities," he said.
He added that contesting for elective political office under Uganda's multiparty political system amounts to participation in partisan politics and is therefore incompatible with continued service in public office.
The Minister noted that Article 176 of the Constitution establishes Local Governments as units of government, making employees serving under Local Governments public officers subject to the Constitution, the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021 and other laws governing public service.
He urged all public officers to uphold professionalism, impartiality and integrity while delivering services to Ugandans.
The Ministry said it will work closely with the Electoral Commission, the Ministry of Public Service, the Public Service Commission, District Service Commissions, Chief Administrative Officers and other relevant authorities to enforce compliance with the law.
Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi also called on eligible voters to participate peacefully in the ongoing electoral process.
The LC I Chairpersons are scheduled for 28 July 2026, in accordance with the Electoral Commission's roadmap.
