Nakigo leaders adopt Lusoga for council debates after oath-taking struggles

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Newly elected leaders in Nakigo subcounty have resolved to conduct council debates in Lusoga after several councillors struggled to take their oath in English during the swearing-in ceremony.

The decision followed scenes at the subcounty headquarters where a number of councillors failed to pronounce words while taking the oath, drawing laughter from supporters and members of the public who had gathered for the event.

Kabira parish councillor Noah Musobya, who was elected vice chairperson, said the council had agreed to conduct its business in Lusoga after realising that many councillors were not comfortable expressing themselves in English.

Sumin Namwase taking her oath

Musobya said the law allows leaders to debate in a language they understand best in order to effectively deliver services to the public.

“As leaders of government business, we are allowed to use any language that helps us serve our people better,” he said.

He added that the council would make a formal resolution to ensure Lusoga is used during council sessions and assured residents that service delivery would not be affected.

The matter came up during the council’s first sitting shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, when speaker Salima Kakuma, who was elected unopposed, advised councillors to use Lusoga during discussions because many members would face difficulties debating in English.

Kakuma also urged councillors to work together and avoid unnecessary conflicts that could derail service delivery and development in the subcounty.

Meanwhile, subcounty chairperson Ayub Bassenga pledged to prioritise education, health services and road construction during his term in office.

Chairman Bassenga, while taking his oath

He also called for unity among leaders, saying political divisions in the sub-county had previously slowed development.

The Iganga district deputy chief administrative officer, Sylive Onyait, who officiated at the event, advised the newly elected leaders to regularly consult the subcounty chief whenever faced with issues they did not understand.

He said seeking guidance would help them avoid mistakes in both legal and developmental decisions.