The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has urged public officials, especially those in the new government and ninth Parliament, to familiarize themselves with the "Code of Conduct for Public Officers" outlined in Chapter 24 of the 1992 Constitution.In a statement on Thursday, January 16, CHRAJ stressed the importance of ethical behavior, avoiding conflicts of interest, and upholding integrity in public service.

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The Commission reminded public officers that their roles come with a responsibility to serve the public with accountability and dedication. According to Article 284 of the Constitution, officials must avoid situations where their personal interests clash with their official duties.

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CHRAJ also pointed out the legal requirement under Article 286(1) and the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Act, 1998 (Act 550), which mandates public officers to declare their assets and liabilities to the Auditor-General before assuming office.

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New Year's messageDownloadThe Commission raised concerns about the lack of awareness or disregard for these constitutional requirements by many public officials, leading to unethical practices and governance issues.

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“…The Commission notes from experience that public officers have either treated the Code of Conduct with contempt or, in the case of new public officers, simply ignored it, thereby occasioning all manner of unethical conduct and behavior,” part of the statement read.

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To address these issues, CHRAJ urged all public officers to take immediate steps to comply with asset declaration requirements and acquaint themselves with the Code of Conduct.

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“Consequently, the Commission urges public officers of the new government and the ninth Parliament in particular, and all public officers generally, to take immediate steps to familiarize themselves with the Code of Conduct and to declare their assets in accordance with the law before taking office,” CHRAJ said.The Commission also urged the government to speed up the approval of the Conduct of Public Officers Bill.

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This would help create a stronger legal foundation for promoting ethical governance.

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