There was drama in Semuto Sub-county, Nakaseke District, after a councillor representing Kikyusa Parish reportedly struggled to read the oath of office in English during a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected local government leaders.
The incident, which occurred during the inauguration ceremony, attracted laughter and mixed reactions from residents, leaders, and guests who had gathered to witness the official assumption of office by the new leaders.
According to witnesses, the councillor experienced difficulties pronouncing some of the English words contained in the oath, forcing officials presiding over the ceremony to repeatedly guide him through the process.
"The words became difficult for him to pronounce, and people started murmuring and laughing," one resident said.
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The situation reportedly created anxiety among several other councillors, with some requesting to be sworn in collectively rather than individually to avoid facing similar embarrassment before the public.
The ceremony was attended by a number of district leaders and political figures, including former Semuto Sub-county Chairperson Lawrence Masantili of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Newly elected Sub-county Chairperson Henry Senoga, popularly known as "Nswa Emu," was the first leader to take the oath before other councillors followed.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Henry Senoga officially received office instruments, including a motorcycle, from outgoing chairperson Lawrence Masantili. Masantili advised the new chairperson to remain calm, focused, and committed to serving the people of Semuto.
During the same sitting, councillors elected Mukalazi David of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) as Speaker after defeating a candidate from the National Unity Platform.
Mukalazi was later sworn in and officially assumed the Speaker's chair.
Leaders led by Charles Nsereko Basajjassubi urged the newly elected leaders to prioritise service delivery, unity, and development within the sub-county.
Meanwhile, Deputy Resident District Commissioner Katamba Moses and Nakaseke District Chairperson Ignatius Komu used the incident to encourage parents to invest more in education for their children, saying education remains essential in preparing future leaders for public responsibilities.
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"Parents should prioritise education so that future leaders are confident and prepared for public responsibilities," the leaders said.
Chairperson Henry Senoga and Speaker Mukalazi thanked residents for entrusting them with leadership and pledged to serve diligently and address the needs of the community.
The ceremony concluded with the official opening of a new administrative building that will accommodate offices for Semuto Sub-county leadership.
