The Ministry of Local Government has called on all public servants intending to contest in the 2026 General Elections to resign within the timelines specified in Uganda’s electoral laws. This directive is aimed at ensuring a smooth transition from public service to political engagement while enabling government departments to plan for timely staff replacements.
In a circular dated April 17, Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya reminded public officers of the legal requirement to resign well in advance of their nomination dates if they intend to run for elective office.
“This is to guide you to take note of the election roadmap by the Electoral Commission in order to comply with the resignation and retirement timelines,” Mr. Kumumanya stated.
This requirement is not new. It is anchored in both the Parliamentary Elections Act, 2005, and the Local Governments Act, Cap 138. Under Section 4(4) of the Parliamentary Elections Act, any public officer, employee of a government agency, local government staff, or an employee of an institution in which the government holds a controlling interest, must resign at least 90 days before nomination day to contest for a parliamentary seat.
For those seeking local government positions, Sections 116(4) and (5) of the Local Governments Act mandate resignation at least 30 days before nomination. Presidential aspirants, meanwhile, must resign one day before the nomination date. All resignations must follow the procedures outlined in public service guidelines and employment contracts.
“This will enable the government to plan accordingly to replace them,” Mr. Kumumanya added.
According to the Electoral Commission’s roadmap for the 2026 General Elections:
- Parliamentary aspirants must resign by June 13, 2025
- Local government contenders by August 2, 2025
- Presidential hopefuls have until October 1, 2025, a day before the nomination window opens (October 2–3)
This legal framework aims to maintain a clear boundary between public administration and political campaigning, thereby preventing conflicts of interest and misuse of public resources during the election period.
Julius Muchuguzi, spokesperson for the Electoral Commission, emphasized the need for strict adherence to the deadlines.
“Public servants intending to contest should pay attention to the deadlines. They must also obtain evidence that they actually resigned,” he said. “If they don’t resign within the stipulated timeframe, and it’s proven, their nomination can be canceled.”
Some aspirants have already begun stepping down. Mr. Ofwono Opondo, Executive Director of the Uganda Media Centre, submitted a resignation request to the President on April 19, 2025, in preparation to contest for the parliamentary seat representing the elderly in the Eastern Region.
“I have received strong endorsements from colleagues in the NRM, Cabinet, and even from the Opposition. I intend to run for MP for the elderly,” Mr. Opondo stated.
In past election cycles, delays and confusion around resignation timelines led to disputes—some of which ended in court. The Ministry hopes early communication this time will remove ambiguity, preserve the integrity of the electoral process, and allow public officers sufficient time to transition without disrupting institutional operations.
The government is also encouraging private sector entities and media institutions to adopt similar best practices to prevent conflicts of interest, as journalists and NGO staff are also expected to enter the political arena.
The Ministry’s directive is more than a bureaucratic formality—it underscores a commitment to democratic accountability, orderly governance, and fair elections. With resignation deadlines of June 13 for parliamentary candidates and August 2 for local government aspirants, public servants are urged to act promptly.
“The earlier these officials resign, the better—they don’t want to be caught unaware,” Mr. Muchuguzi advised.
Ultimately, resignation marks the first formal declaration of political ambition. To uphold the integrity of Uganda’s public institutions and its democratic process, it must be done in accordance with the law.