There was drama on Monday at Amuru Multipurpose hall in Amuru District headquarters as a section of the newly elected struggled with pronouncing some of the words in the oath of allegiance and oath of secrecy.
Those who turned up to witness the occasion could not hold back laughter as the smartly dressed politicians, started to sweat and fumble no sooner had the Bible and a copy of oath been handed to them.
Out of the 16 councilors, only 10 who either had a university degree or a diploma avoided the hurdle.
The most challenging words were, ‘‘true, allegiance and established.’’
Hell broke loose when it was the turn of Rose Apoo, the Woman Councilor for Amuru Town Council. Apoo had to eat some of the words in order to navigate through.
Even Deogratius Ssejemba, the Gulu Chief Magistrate who officiated the swearing ceremony could not afford not to smile.
More drama was to come when it came to the turn of 77-year-old, Tom Okello Ayiri, a councilor representing the elderly.
Ayili’s effort to negotiate with the Chief Magistrate so that he is allowed to take oath in vernacular did not yield fruit after his request was outrightly turned down.
Magistrate Ssejemba eventually resolved that his clerk, Leon Ebong should read and Ayiri repeats after him (Ebong). Despite the good will from the magistrate, Ayiri was still uncomfortable with the oath. But after a 3 minute struggle, Ayiri finally stuttered to the end and smiled broadly.
In an interview with Acholi Times after the swearing, Ayiri said he does not regret and instead asked Parliament to enact a law to allow individual who cannot speak the official language (English) to take oath in their local language.
Ayiri defended himself and said fellow councilors who swore in English could not have internalized the meaning of the oath. He added that in future, other councilors may fail to table the challenges facing their electorates on the floor of the council.
According to Ayiri, it may prove difficult for them to interpret the problems of the community they represent in English since it is not their first language.
Ayiri obtained a certificate grade II in Technical education after sitting for Primary Six exams.
Gilbert Olanya, the Kilak South MP threw his weight behind Ayiri saying he is an experienced politician who started work as a councilor during President Obote’s regime.
MP Olanya noted that with such experience, Ayiri is a valuable asset especially to the young people.
Ayiri, a former UPC strongman served in the Gulu district council in the 1960s when Gulu was under west Acholi districts. Acholi district was formerly the districts of Gulu and Kitgum.
1 Comment
I think the idea that only those who can read or speak English well are capable leaders is a fallacy that should be shelved as soon as possible. On a related note, my hat is absolutely off to Ms. Kadaga for showing the Christian bigots we all have turned into that African spirituality is supreme. No one is castigating Indians who parade their Gods several times a year all over Kla and other towns yet we reserve the most vile language for our own Joggi. Jok is our true God and I ask all level headed Africans to seek a deeper knowledge and oneness with our spirituality and leave foreign spirituality to those without pride.