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Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has appointed the Minister for Presidency Milly Babalanda as Chairperson of the committee in-charge of the burial of fallen Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah.
This has been confirmed by the Deputy Presidential Press Secretary Faruk Kirunda.
“Yes, the President has appointed Minister Babalanda to head the committee for Speaker Oulanyah’s burial,” Mr Kirunda told Watchdog Uganda, in a brief phone interview.
“The Minister will be releasing the tentative burial program any time soon,” he added.
Oulanyah died on Sunday 20th March, 2022 after long time illness.
The sad development was confirmed by President Yoweri Museveni through social media.
“Countrymen and Countrywomen.
It is with a lot of sadness that I announce the death of the Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, the Speaker of Parliament” President Museveni tweeted.
According to the President, he got the information of this sad news at 10.30am, East African time from People that have been with Oulanyah and the doctor that was caring for him in the intensive care unit.
“He was a good Cadre. I delayed the announcement so that his children would be informed first.May His soul rest in eternal peace,” Museveni added.
Oulanyah who was last seen in parliament on December 21, 2021, was last month flown to Seattle, USA to receive specialised treatment.
Last year, shortly after his swearing-in as speaker, Oulanyah disappeared from the public eye for a month after presiding over parliament at the reading of the 2021/2022 financial year budget at Kololo Independence grounds.
His deputy Anita Among has mostly been in charge of the parliamentary business since the beginning of the term in May, a matter that triggered speculation about his health. Reports had initially indicated that Oulannyah was battling COVID-19.
Meanwhile,
Former Speaker Kadaga, NUP’S Bobi Wine, Lt.Gen. Muhoozi, LOP Mpuuga, Chief Whip Tayebwa, ANT’S Muntu and other leaders mourn the death of Speaker Oulanyah
The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Mr Mathias Mpuuga, also issued a brief statement condoling with Oulanyah’s family. “It’s with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of the Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, the Parliamentary fraternity, the people of Omoro and the NRM that he served as Vice Chairman in Northern Uganda. May his family find fortitude in the Lord who gives and takes; and in His magnanimity grant our dear brother eternal rest!”
The president of the Alliance for National Transformation Rtd. Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu tweeted “Earlier today, I learnt of the passing of Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah. I extend my condolences to his family, Members of Parliament and all that knew him. May God grant you the strength and grace to go through this undeniably difficult time.’
Former Leader of Opposition iin Parliament Winnie Kiiza tweeted I would like to send my condolences to the family and friends of the Rt. Hon. @JacobOulanyah. May we all keep them in our thoughts and prayers in days ahead. We are forever grateful for his many sacrifices and honourable duty. He will be greatly missed”
By the time of publication more condolence messages were still coming through
President Museveni on Sunday announced Oulanyah’s death on Twitter saying he was a good Cadre.
The now deceased Omoro County MP (Omoro District) was elected Speaker on May 24, 2021, after defeating Ms Kadaga. He served as Deputy Speaker of Parliament from May 2011 until May 2021.
He has also been the Vice president North in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM)