The Minister of Local Government in Uganda, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has issued a strict administrative directive reminding all public servants intending to contest in the upcoming Local Council (LC) elections that they must resign from their government offices at least 30 days prior to nomination day. The warning comes amid growing reports of public officers, including teachers, healthcare workers, and local administrators, expressing interest in or actively campaigning for administrative unit positions (LC I and LC II) while still holding their official public service jobs.
This directive is firmly rooted in Section 129(5) of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138, which legally disqualifies any public officer from contesting local government positions unless they have formally left their office within the specified 30-day window. The ministry has made it clear that public officers, ranging from local government extension staff to employees of government-controlled corporations, who fail to adhere to this statutory timeline will be automatically disqualified from nominations.
Preserving Political Neutrality in Public Service
The primary objective behind this regulatory reinforcement is to safeguard and maintain the strict political neutrality of the country's public service. Minister Balaam emphasized that public servants must remain impartial in the execution of their duties and avoid partisan politics, which could lead to conflicts of interest, payroll fraud, or a decline in local service delivery. By enforcing this separation, the ministry aims to protect the integrity of both the civil service and the electoral process.
Enforcement and Oversight
This directive is part of a broader push by the Ministry of Local Government to streamline operations and ensure accountability within district and city administrations. As Minister of Local Government, Balaam has been active in overseeing local government reforms, warning that administrative oversight will be tightened to ensure no public resources are diverted to fund partisan campaigns. Electoral bodies have also been instructed to verify the employment status of all aspirants during the nomination exercise.
Implications for Local Government
The strict enforcement of this law is expected to trigger a wave of resignations among grassroots public workers who wish to transition into active politics. While this may create temporary staffing gaps in some districts, it highlights the government's resolve to enforce public service regulations. The ministry has directed all Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and City Town Clerks to monitor their staff and report any public officer engaging in political activities ahead of the official nomination dates.
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