KAMPALA — The Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has warned that public servants are not eligible to contest in the ongoing Local Council I (LCI) and Local Council II (LCII) administrative unit elections unless they have lawfully vacated public office in accordance with the law.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the ministry said it had received reports that a number of public officers, including teachers, health workers, administrative staff, extension workers and other government employees, had expressed interest in contesting or were already participating in the elections while still serving in public office.
The ministry reminded public officers, Electoral Commission officials, district election administrators, returning officers, local government leaders and the general public that public servants are required to remain politically neutral while performing their official duties and are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities.
According to the statement, contesting for political office under Uganda’s multiparty political system amounts to participation in partisan politics because it involves advancing a political agenda or belonging to a political party.
The ministry noted that Article 176 of the Constitution establishes local governments as units of government, meaning that anyone serving in a local government is a public officer under the Constitution and the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021, and is therefore bound by the laws governing the public service.
Barugahara further cited Section 129(5) of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138, which requires any public officer, government employee, local council employee or employee of a government-controlled body wishing to contest for a local council office to resign at least 30 days before nomination day, following the procedures applicable to their service.
The minister said the requirement is intended to preserve the political neutrality, integrity and impartiality of the public service by preventing officers from engaging in partisan political activities while still holding government positions.
“The Ministry urges all public officers to uphold the integrity, impartiality and professionalism of the Public Service. Public officers play a vital role in delivering essential services to the people of Uganda and must remain nonpartisan while in office,” the statement said.
The ministry also said it would continue working 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 ensure full compliance with the law.
Barugahara also appealed to Ugandans eligible to vote in the ongoing Local Council elections to participate peacefully and exercise their constitutional right to elect their leaders.
Meanwhile, Museveni has beefed up Minister Balaam Barugahara’s security as he continues with crackdown against corrupt local government officials. (See Details Here).
