Civil servants warned against politics

By Faustine Odeke

Civil servants in Tororo district have been told to remain neutral during the political season to allow them serve their communities without bias.

The chief administrative officer Vitalis Oswan warned that any civil servant who wants to join politics should announce his/her resignation, or risk being subjected to disciplinary action as stipulated by public service standing orders.

Uganda's political scene is brewing ahead of the general elections due early next year.

Addressing head teachers of government-aided primary schools at the district chambers, Oswan said he had learnt that many civil servants including teachers are openly involved in politicking.

He said civil servants’ involvement in active politicking may derail them from performing their duties.

According to the district education officer Yonah Gamusi Doya, the meeting was to update school heads on the proposed education reforms and the rebranding of the education and sports ministry to the ministry of education, science, technology and sports, especially as they prepare to open their schools for third term on Monday.

He appealed to head teachers to adhere to the policies so as to protect their jobs.

Doya also reminded heads of educational institutions to ensure that they always account for any resource they receive from government, mainly grants, appropriately without any delay.

He  cited  a situation where some schools  have not accounted for the UPE funds they had received for the last three quarters, making it difficult for the central government to release UPE capitation grant for the current quarter.