Pakwach nurse sanctioned over partisan politics

A nurse working at Pakwach Health Centre in Pakwach district has been summoned for taking part in partisan politics, yet she is a civil servant.

Prisca Ouchi reportedly translated the speech by the National Unity Party presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu on Tuesday. 

Stella Abyeto, the Pakwach district Chief Administrative Officer, said Ouchi's act contravenes Uganda Public Service Standing Order 2010 and the Constitution.   

In a letter dated November 10, 2020, a copy New Vision has obtained, Abyeto asked Ouchi to report to her office to show cause why she shouldn't be disciplined.  

"It has come to my attention that you fully participated in the campaigns as a translator. This is act is contrary to the provision of Public Service Standing Order after the Constitution," part of the letter reads.  

"Accordingly, you are required to report to the office of the CAO at exactly 8:30 am to show cause why you shouldn't be disciplined," Abyeto adds in her letter. 

Ouchi confirmed receiving the letter, adding that she had given a verbal response. "Yes, I have been summoned by the CAO and I have since given my defence," she said. 

According to Ouchi, she stepped in after the first translator failed during a rally at Pakwach Town Council premises.  

Ouchi says she didn't know much about the law governing such actions, adding that she was innocent. 

 "I had gone to the rally to see the man who was hyped by the media. While there and after the translator failed, I was asked to step in. Honestly, I didn't know it was not allowed," said Ouchi. 

Abyeto couldn't deny or confirm the story, saying she was deep in the field in Panyimir and would comment later.