Teachers, Health Workers Barred from LC Elections Unless They Resign – Ministry

The Ministry of Local Government has reminded all public servants that they are not eligible to contest in the ongoing Local Council elections unless they have formally and lawfully resigned from public service.

In a press statement issued on July 22, 2026, Minister of Local Government Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi said the directive applies to all government employees, including teachers, health workers, administrative staff, extension workers, and other public officers serving in local governments and government agencies.

The ministry noted that some public servants have expressed interest in contesting or are already participating in Local Council I and Local Council II elections while still holding public office, a practice it says is contrary to the law.

According to the statement, public officers are required to remain politically neutral while serving in government and are prohibited from engaging in partisan political activities. The ministry emphasized that seeking elective political office without first leaving public service amounts to participation in partisan politics and violates the legal obligations of public officers.

The ministry cited Section 129(5) of the Local Governments Act, which requires any public officer intending to contest for a Local Council position to resign from public service at least 30 days before nomination. The requirement is intended to safeguard the independence, integrity, and professionalism of the public service while ensuring government employees perform their duties without political influence.

The statement also referenced the Constitution and the Public Service Standing Orders, which require public officers to uphold political neutrality throughout their tenure in office.

The Ministry of Local Government said it will work closely with the Electoral Commission, the Ministry of Public Service, District Service Commissions, Chief Administrative Officers, and other relevant institutions to ensure strict compliance with the law during the electoral process.

The ministry further urged all eligible Ugandans to participate peacefully in the ongoing Local Council elections and exercise their constitutional right to vote, while reminding public servants to comply with the legal requirements before seeking elective office.