Embattled Aboke LC 3 Chair, Okello Opio Insitits He Took Oath Privately Because Of Health Issues As Voters Continued To Demand Him to Take Public Oath

KOLE DISTRICT, UGANDA – A controversial scene unfolded in Aboke Sub-county, Kole District, when the newly elected Sub-county Chairman, Okello Opio Alex, informed the council and the presiding magistrate that he would not stand and hold the Bible to take the oath of office. He claimed, he was sworn in privately by another magistrate while on a sick bed in Gulu. The announcement has sparked heated public debate.

Chairman Okello reportedly avoided the council swearing-in ceremony on two occasions, initially citing illness on Friday. However, when he did appear, he produced documents suggesting he had already taken the oath elsewhere.

Okello, who also serves as the NRM Chairman for Aboke Sub-county, faced allegations from political opponents that he dodged the public oath because he struggles to read and write official English and feared making mistakes before his electorate.

Official response:

Zillan Akullu, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kole, told the media that authorities would follow up to verify the authenticity of the legal documentation supporting his private swearing-in.

Chairman’s defense:

Given a chance to speak before the council, Okello requested the magistrate — who was chairing the session before the installation of the speaker — to allow him to use Leb Lango, the local language, claiming he was not feeling well enough to speak English.

He further explained that he had been advised by fellow sub-county chairpersons to expedite his swearing-in, prompting him to seek assistance from another magistrate. According to Okello, he acted on that advice and was eventually sworn in while admitted at a medical facility in Gulu town.

Denying claims that he feared taking the oath in English, Okello insisted he is comfortable with council procedures. “I have been in this council before and I know how swearing-in works,” he said.

Legal experts note that under Uganda’s Local Governments Act and the Oaths Act, a public officer’s oath must generally be administered in a formal, open session to ensure transparency and public accountability. A private oath taken outside the prescribed council setting could be deemed irregular unless done under exceptional circumstances — such as illness or security threats — and properly documented.

The Kole District Council has the authority to decide whether to accept Okello’s private oath or require him to retake it publicly. If found invalid, he could face suspension or be barred from assuming office until compliance is met.

Similar incidents have occurred in other Ugandan districts, where officials attempted private swearing-ins to avoid public scrutiny or language-related embarrassment. The Uganda Local Government Association (ULGA) has previously advised that all oaths be taken in the presence of council members and the public, with language assistance provided when necessary.