The Ministry of Local Government has issued a strong warning to public servants seeking to contest in the ongoing Local Council I (LC I) and Local Council II (LC II) administrative unit elections, saying they must first lawfully vacate public office before becoming eligible candidates.
In a press statement dated 22 July 2026, Minister for Local Government Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi said the ministry 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 while still serving in public office.
The ministry reminded all 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 carrying out their official duties.
According to the statement, contesting for political office under Uganda's multiparty political system amounts to participation in partisan political activity because candidates are expected to promote political agendas or belong to political parties.
The ministry cited Article 176 of the Constitution, which establishes Local Governments as units of government, meaning individuals employed by local governments are public officers and are therefore governed by the Constitution and the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021.
Officials further pointed to 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 position to resign from office at least 30 days before nomination, following the procedures governing their employment.
The ministry said the legal requirement is intended to protect the neutrality, integrity and professionalism of Uganda's Public Service and to prevent public officials from engaging in partisan political activities while serving in government.
Hon. Balaam urged all public officers to uphold the values of impartiality and professionalism, noting that they play a critical role in delivering essential public services across the country.
The ministry also said it will 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 during the electoral process.
As Uganda prepares for the grassroots polls, the ministry further appealed to eligible voters to participate peacefully and in large numbers, urging citizens to exercise their constitutional right to elect their local leaders. The Electoral Commission has scheduled LC I elections for 28 July 2026 and LC II elections for 10 August 2026.