Bugiri chairman quietly sworn in
Hajj Siraji Lyavala Samanya takes oath before Chief Magistrate Flavia Kalungi on Monday. Photo by Asuman Musobya
Police in Bugiri District deployed heavily at the district headquarters as the newly elected district chairperson, Hajj Siraji Lyavala Samanya was quietly sworn-in.
Unlike the usual swearing-in ceremonies of victors that are marked with pomp, Mr Lyavala was sworn in at a low key function that barely lasted 10 minutes at the district council chambers. The ceremony, which started slightly after 12pm, ended at exactly 12:39pm. It was presided over by Chief Magistrate Flavia Nabakooza Kalungi.
The civil servants at the district headquarters expressed surprise when Hajj Lyavala’s entourage entered the chambers amid tight security.
Some of the civil servants at the district who did not want their names to be mentioned told Daily Monitor that they were shocked on seeing a group of police men surrounding the administration block.
“We thought that the police officers were guarding the Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, who had camped at the district headquarters, but later we realised that it was Lyavala who had come to swear-in as district chairperson,” one staff said.
After swearing in, Mr Lyavala expressed concern over the division among NRM members, adding that there is a need to unite the members of the ruling party.
Mr Lyavala said some of the people who voted for the Opposition flag bearer, Mr Bumali Luba, were NRM members and said this was due to wrangles within the party.
However, the opposition led by the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mr Wafula Oguttu have filed a petition at Iganga High Court asking for vote recounting.
