The swearing-in of the City Lord Mayor, Division Mayors and Division Councillors has hit a temporary snug after a National Unity Platform (NUP) councillor was blocked from proceeding to take his oath. Drama started when Kampala Central Lord Councillor Moses Kataabu with a red beret came to the swearing-in podium on chains and a placard with a demand, “Museveni free 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.
In response, the magistrate 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.
The swearing in ceremony has resumed under tight security with councillors following an agreed upon protocol.
