By Olandason Wanyama

SIXTEEN councillors from Moroto district delayed the swearing-in ceremony for over an hour after they failed to fill in forms.

The councillors were required to write their names, the district’s name, the magistrate’s name, date and place of swearing-in.

However, most of them could neither read nor write their names on the document.

“I cannot swear in councillors who have failed to fill in a form of oath of allegiance and registration,” Moroto chief magistrate William Robs Komakech said.

The Moroto returning officer, Julius Ogwang tried to guide the councillors on how to fill in the forms, but they failed.

However, they were helped by other people and used thumb prints to endorse them.

The ceremony took place at the district chamber hall where the district chairperson, Mark Musyoka, and his councillors were sworn in by Komakech.

Guests wondered whether the councillors would manage heading the district departments.

Ceaser Lometo was elected the district speaker.

Musyoka called for unity, saying through team work, the district would develop.

“Councillors must work for development so as to have a better district in the next five years,” he said.

Religious leaders and donors attended the ceremony.