Rethink ban on civil servants’ private ventures — Kabale leaders

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Muslim leaders and legislators in Kabale district have voiced opposition to the government’s decision to bar civil servants in the education and health sectors from owning and operating private schools and health facilities.

Effective July 1, 2025, the government announced that civil servants in these sectors will no longer be allowed to engage in private educational or medical ventures. The move aims to eliminate conflicts of interest, which officials argue have compromised service delivery in public institutions.

For years, senior education and medical officers employed by the government have simultaneously managed private schools, clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals

Many have been accused of neglecting their public service duties, diverting resources—such as medicines and equipment—to their private establishments, and referring patients from government hospitals to their clinics for services that should be freely available.

The National Development Plan, which outlines the government's strategic direction for the next five years, identifies this as a key area for reform.

Hajji Issah Tindyebwa, the Chairperson for Uganda Muslim Supreme Council Kabale district addressing Muslims during Eid prayers at Kirigime Mosque.

Authorities argue that enforcing the ban will ensure civil servants focus on their core responsibilities, thereby improving the quality of services in public schools and hospitals.

However, speaking at Masjid Jaamia Kirigime Mosque in Kabale town, the Kabale District Muslim Supreme Council chairperson, Hajji Issa Tindyebwa, condemned the decision, describing it as an infringement on civil servants' rights to own property like any other Ugandan.

Sheikh Kassim Kamugisha, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Wakiso district and an executive member of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council, urged the government to reconsider the policy before implementing it.

He warned that the decision could lead to mass resignations, as many civil servants may choose to focus entirely on their private institutions where they earn better incomes.

He said this could create a shortage of skilled professionals in government schools and hospitals.

Kabale Municipality Member of Parliament, Dr Thadeus Nicholas Kamara, also criticised the move, describing it as an attempt by President Museveni’s government to tighten its grip on all sectors of the economy and governance.

Sheikh Kabu Lule preaching during Eid day celebrations at Kirigime mosque on Sunday.

Kamara accused the President of already exerting direct control over the Judiciary, Electoral Commission, and security forces, and now seeking to extend his influence over the education and health sectors.

He called upon legislators and the public to resist the policy and advocate for the rights of civil servants.

In his sermon, Sheikh Kabu Lule, the district Kadhi for Kabale, urged Muslims to celebrate Eid in the rightful Islamic way, avoiding sinful practices.