By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has voiced strong opposition to recent statements made by two ministers during a meeting in Kyankwanzi, where they called on civil servants to actively campaign for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Museveni ahead of the 2026 general elections.
During a training of over 160 microfinance support centre staff at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, the minister of microfinance, Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo, and the Minister of General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Justine Kasule Lumumba, told civil servants who had attended the training to either support NRM Programs or resign from their jobs.
The UPC argues that such demands are in direct violation of standing public service regulations, emphasizing the critical role of impartiality in the execution of government programs and policies.
Sharon Oyat Arach, UPC spokesperson on Wednesday stressed that the Ministers’ remarks violate public service regulations which require civil servants to observe high degree of professionalism, focus, and non-partisan commitment in their service. She underlined that these duties should not be subjected to political manipulation, particularly in the lead-up to elections.
“The political wing must exercise goodwill in implementing government programs rather than opportunistically pressuring civil servants to deliver on election promises,” Arach noted.
UPC condemned any attempts to coerce public servants into political campaigns, describing it as a violation of established norms and a potential threat to the efficiency of government operations.
The party further emphasized that the ministers’ call for civil servants to engage in partisan activities is contrary to Uganda’s Political Parties and Organisations Act, which explicitly prohibits police officers, army personnel, public servants, and traditional leaders from participating in active politics unless they first resign from their positions.
UPC says civil servants must focus on delivering services to the public rather than getting embroiled in partisan politics.
“Civil servants are the engine that moves government programs, projects, and policies from the village to the national level,” Arach said, urging full support and protection for public officials to allow them to execute their roles without fear or political pressure.
