Public servants must resign before contesting Local Council Elections – Ministry of Local Government

Kampala, July 22, 2026 — The Ministry of Local Government has warned public servants seeking to contest in the ongoing Local Council I and Local Council II elections that they must first formally resign from government employment before participating in the polls.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Minister of Local Government Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi said the ministry had received reports of teachers, health workers, administrative staff, extension workers and other public officers taking part in the elections while still holding public offices.

The ministry reminded public officers, Electoral Commission officials, district election administrators and local government leaders that government employees are required to remain politically neutral and are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities while serving.

The statement cited Article 176 of the Constitution, which recognises local governments as government units, making their employees public officers subject to public service laws and regulations.

The ministry also referred to Section 129(5) of the Local Governments Act, which requires any public officer wishing to contest for a Local Council position to resign at least 30 days before nomination day, following the procedures of their respective service.

The ministry said the requirement is intended to protect the neutrality and integrity of the public service and prevent conflicts between official duties and political activities.

It added that it will work with the Electoral Commission, Ministry of Public Service, Public Service Commission, District Service Commissions and other authorities to ensure compliance with the law.

The ministry encouraged eligible voters to participate peacefully in the Local Council elections and exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders.