Uganda People’s Congress President, Jimmy Akena has described the fallen Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah as someone who was committed to protecting liberty, equal justice, and respect for the dignity of all Ugandans.
In a statement, Akena said this is the time Ugandans should get united as the Oulanyah heads to his final destination.
Oulanyah, the Speaker of the 11th Parliament of Uganda died on Sunday 20th March, 2022 in Seattle, Washington United States of America.
His body has since been brought back to Uganda.
Akena said Oulanyah was a highly articulated legislator with a big heart, sense of humour, open-minded and diplomatic in addition to being a consummate lawmaker and debater who was always ready to accommodate the views of others.
“He was a social, religious and sportsman, who built relations as a student leader and an activist of special distinction at Makerere University and was elected as a speaker of students’ guild; he was a religious man that worked hand in hand with the church in handling the mortgage for Church House in Kampala,” said Akena
“The late was also a member of the Uganda Bikers’ association (UBA) and participated in a number of rides organized by the association. I personally have lost a true Comrade, brother and a friend, with whom we have been members of the Uganda bikers Association and shared moments of solidarity.”
Akena said in the passing on of Oulanyah, the country has lost a mentor, adviser, sportsman and an intellectual who provided guidance and advice whenever called upon to do so.
“UPC calls upon the people of Uganda to exhibit unity and mourn the Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah with dignity and togetherness as a country. The Rt. Hon. was a man that brought people together, he was the unifying factor wherever he went,” he said.
Oulanyah’s body is currently at his residence in Muyenga for friends and well-wishers to pay their last respects.
Tomorrow (April 5), the body will be moved to Parliament for MPs to pay their final respects.
On Wednesday there will be a state funeral for Oulanyah at Kololo ceremonial grounds.
The burial will be held on April 8 at his ancestral home at Lalogi village, Omoro district and the day will be observed as a public holiday.
