124 MPs sworn in amidst pomp and funfare
May 18, 2011
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By Cyprian Musoke
and Joyce Namutebi
POMP was the order at Parliament yesterday, as new Members of Parliament arrived for the swearing-in ceremony amid dancing and ululation.
Traffic came to a standstill on the Siad Barre Avenue as the soon-to-be MPs were carried shoulder high by their jubilant supporters.
There was ululation as each MP’s name was read, and he or she was escorted to the podium on a red carpet to take their oath.
There was tight security at the gates, but most entourages managed to beat the cordon by entering with more than the mandatory five supporters.
The ceremony took place at the steps of the North Wing of Parliament Buildings, which was draped with the national colours. It was presided over by the Clerk of Parliament, Aneas Tandekwire, who was assisted by Parliament staff.
A large marquee, also decorated in national colours (black, yellow and red) was erected in the parking yard of the North Wing for the MPs and their guests. Beautiful flowers decorated the steps of Parliament.
Business around Parliament was paralysed for some time as people tried to get a glimpse of the legislators.
On arrival, MPs and their guests went through security check and were escorted to the marquee by Parliament staff.
The guests came wearing all manner of dress, but notable were the guests who accompanied MPs from Karamoja region, who were clad in traditional dress complete with head gear and kept blowing horns.
NRM nominee for Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga was among the first to be sworn in.
She came in her official vehicle escorted by another carrying her father and mother, who escorted her to the podium.
Maracha MP Alex Onzima, who was the first to take the oath, wore West African attire, while Serere district Woman MP Alice Alaso was accompanied by her husband and their child.
The army band played as army representatives were sworn in.
Also sworn were the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima, and Chief of Staff Land Forces Brig. Charles Angina. They were escorted by the army spokesman, Lt. Col. Felix Kulayigye.
Kinkizi East MP Dr. Chris Baryomunsi was escorted by a group of cultural dancers.
The Vice-President and Busiro North MP, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Margaret Bukenya.
Apac Woman MP Betty Amongi was accompanied by Lira municipality MP James Akena and like archrivals Mukono municipality MP Betty Nambooze and Mukono South MP-elect Bakaluba Mukasa hugged and escorted each other to the podium.
Finance minister Syda Bbumba arrived in a private car, while works state minister John Byabagambi chauffeured himself.
Popular comic figure Vicks Kingo was barred by security from accessing Parliament.
Kumi MP Patrick Amuriat was carried shoulder high by his supporters after taking the oath, blocking traffic on the road.
Sembabule Woman MP Anifa Kawooya was escorted by a group of whites.
Gulu MP Christopher Acire came with a band and a huge key, which the security personnel asked him to leave outside Parliament.
There was shouting and jubilation outside Parliament by supporters, who chanted and waved placards bearing their candidates portraits.