A dramatic scene unfolded at the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected leaders in Nansana Municipality after several councillors struggled to read the oath in English, with some breaking down in tears as they officially assumed office.
The ceremony, held on Friday, marked the beginning of a new political term for leaders from the municipality’s four divisions of Nansana, Nabweru, Gombe, and Busukuma.
The event began with the swearing-in of newly elected Mayor John Bosco Sserunkuma Kannakambata, a member of the National Unity Platform, who pledged to serve residents and address the municipality’s pressing challenges.
“I thank the people who entrusted me with this responsibility,” Kannakambata said shortly after taking oath. “I call upon all leaders to put aside political differences and work together for the development of Nansana.”
However, moments later, the ceremony took an emotional turn as several councillors struggled to pronounce and read the English words contained in the oath. Some paused repeatedly while reading, others shouted the words loudly to gain confidence, while a few became emotional and shed tears during the exercise.
Despite the difficulties, the councillors eventually completed the swearing-in process and vowed to serve their communities diligently.
Several leaders cited poor roads, garbage management, health services, and education as some of the key issues they intend to prioritise during their term in office.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, councillors elected Moses Kalungi Kasule of the National Resistance Movement as Speaker after he secured 49 votes against his rival Sulaiman Matovu, who garnered 21 votes and Rachel Lukwago was elected Deputy Speaker.
The newly elected leaders were later handed instruments of power, including the Speaker’s gown, mace, official stamp, office keys, and vehicles to facilitate their work.
A total of 60 councillors were sworn in. Of these, 33 belong to the National Resistance Movement, 20 are members of the National Unity Platform, three belong to the Democratic Party, while three are independents.