Lawmakers on the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) have tasked officials from the Ministry of Public Service to explain reports alleging that active public servants participated in activities related to the 2026 general elections.
During a heated committee session, Members of Parliament raised concerns that serving teachers, headteachers, District Education Officers and Chief Administrative Officers were allegedly involved in the electoral process as polling officials, presiding officers, or in partisan mobilisation activities.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Gorreth Namugga questioned the legality of appointed public officers assuming roles within the electoral process while still in active government service. She asked whether such involvement contravenes existing laws governing the conduct of public servants.
Legislators on the committee emphasized that under the Public Service Act and parliamentary Standing Orders, civil servants are required to maintain strict political neutrality. They argued that any participation in partisan political activity undermines professionalism and public trust in government institutions.
MPs pressed ministry officials to clarify the disciplinary framework in place for handling civil servants found to be in breach of neutrality rules. They demanded to know whether investigations are automatically triggered upon receipt of complaints and what sanctions, if any, have previously been imposed in similar circumstances.
In response, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Catherine Bitarakwate, told the committee that the Ministry had not formally received the reports in question. She stated that once official documentation is submitted, the Ministry would consult with the Attorney General to establish the legal position and prepare a comprehensive response.
Bitarakwate assured the committee that the Ministry remains committed to upholding public service regulations and would take appropriate action if evidence confirms that any officer acted outside the law.
The matter remains under scrutiny, with the committee expected to revisit it once the Ministry submits its formal position.
