The swearing-in ceremony for Kampala Capital City Authority councillors which has just been adjourned has resumed amid tight security as chaotic councillors ordered to follow protocol.
The swearing-in ceremony was put on hold by the presiding judge Mariam Okello Ayo after chaos erupted when Kampala Central Lord Councillor Moses Kataabu donning a red beret came to the swearing-in podium on chains and a placard with a demand, “Museveni free political prisoners.”
The judge suspended the ceremony and walked away from city hall where the function was taking place.
About chaotic drama.
Buganda road court Chief Magistrate Mariam Okello Ayo has temporarily suspended the swearing-in ceremony for the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) councillors after one of them came tied in chains with messages that Museveni should release all political prisoners.
However, before taking to the podium, the presiding Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate, Mariam Ayo warned Kataabu against his gestures and asked him to remove the chains since it was indecent dressing.
“Everyone here is free,” Ayo said, prompting an exchange with Kataabu.
“What is the problem with this? I am here to take oath and that has no problem. Ugandans are not free. We are not free,” Kataabu said.
The magistrate however insisted the councillor would not be allowed to take oath without removing the chains.
“We are not forcing you but directing that you remove that. Unless you remove it, you are not going to take oath,” the Buganda Road court magistrate said.
Police intervened in to calm down the situation but all these fell on a deaf ear prompting the presiding magistrate to adjourn the swearing-in ceremony to a date not disclosed.
The audience, mostly comprising councilors was heard chanting Robert Kyagulanyi’s Tuliyambala engule song as the judge walked away in protest.
However, at exactly 12:40PM, the judge resumed the function amid tight security.
