Members of Parliament of Uganda yesterday paid tribute to the deceased Speaker, Rt. Hon. Jacob L. Oulanyah.

Health Minister Hon. Jane Ruth Aceng who was with Oulanyah in Seattle hospital before his demise said his illness started in 2019 when he discovered a swelling in the neck, which turned out to be cancerous. Minister Aceng added that he has been on treatment for cancer and died of organ failure.

Former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga says she had a good working relationship with the late Rt Hon Oulanyah for the 10 years when he was her deputy.  

Rt Hon. Speaker Anita Among described him as a great leader, lawyer, legislator, debater and an advocate for peace and unity in Uganda and the world over.

The MPs who took turns to speak hailed him for being an effective and courageous orator, a mentor, who instilled in them a discipline of time management, virtue of patience and respect.

The late Hon. Oulanya’s body will spend the night in Parliament and will be taken to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for a State Funeral on Wednesday at 9:00 am.

President Yoweri Museveni will lead the nation in paying tribute to the late Speaker of Parliament while The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda; His Grace Dr. Kazimba Mugalu will be the main celebrant.

After the ceremony that is expected to be attended by only 1,500 persons, the casket will be airlifted to Omoro, Lalogi village; the Speaker’s ancestral home where the family and Acholi leaders will receive it. He will finally be buried on Friday 8th April 2022, and the day will be observed as a Public Holiday as declared by H.E. the President.

By Brenda T.J