Public Servants knocked out of LC 1 elections

What the report says

The Independent Uganda reports that public officers working in local governments will not be eligible to contest the upcoming Local Council I and II elections unless they resigned at least 30 days before the July 28 election date. The affected categories named in the report include teachers, health workers, administrative staff and extension workers, among other public employees.

According to the report, Local Government Minister Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi issued a statement after concerns emerged that some civil servants were seeking to take part in the Administrative Unit Elections while still holding government jobs. The ministry reminded public officers, Electoral Commission officials, district election administrators, returning officers, local leaders and the public that civil servants are expected to remain politically neutral while performing official duties.

The Independent cites Section 129(5) of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138, which requires a public officer, an employee of a government department or agency, a local council employee, or a worker in a government-controlled body to resign at least 30 days before nomination day if they intend to seek a local council position. The ministry said the rule is meant to protect the impartiality of public service and prevent officials from taking part in partisan activity while still in office.

The report adds that LC elections will be conducted through the lining-up-behind-candidates method. The development matters because Local Council I and II structures are the closest elected administrative units to communities, and the eligibility rule could affect public servants who had hoped to compete in village and parish-level leadership contests.