As it happened: MPs pay glowing tributes to former Speaker Oulanyah

FUNERAL OF JACOB OULANYAH

Presented by Joseph Kizza
(Scroll down the page earlier updates)
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8:03 pm 

And that will be the end of today's special parliamentary sitting - and out live text commentary.

There will be a vigil at Parliament after here, as the body of the late Jacob Oulanyah continues to lie in state in the House, where it will remain overnight.

On Wednesday, a state funeral service will be conducted at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.

After the anthems are sung, the casket is moved out of the chamber, before the Speaker adjourns the House until Tuesday, April 12.

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7:34 pm 

Meanwhile, Vice-President Jessica Alupo accepts the amendment in her motion to include the adoption of the observing of a Jacob L'Okori Oulanyah Memorial Lecture
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7:30 pm 

Quick and firm lesson . . .

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7:23 pm 

There is a motion moved by Pian County MP Remigio Achia to amend the Vice-President's prayer to include the adoption of the observing of a Jacob L'Okori Oulanyah Memorial Lecture.

The entire House approves the suggestion. This will be held annually on March 23, which is Jacob's birth date.

The former Speaker died two days shy of his 57th birthday.
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7:17 pm 

"Whatever Jacob did, he did it to perfection," says one of the legislators.

"When it comes to humour, you [couldn't] beat him."
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7:02 pm 

It has been a long day. It is Ramadhan, and when 7pm arrives, that means one thing for our Muslim brothers and sisters - breaking of fast.

Speaker Anita Among is very much aware of this, and so she excuses the Muslim legislators present to go and break their fast.
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6:56 pm 

Next up, it is the parlimentary groups given an opportunity to deliver their tributes through a representative - starting with the Buganda Parliamentary Caucus.
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6:51 pm 

"The late [Jacob Oulanyah] was an intelligent person," says Peter Ogwang, the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring. He says Oulanyah was a peace maker in antagonistic situations, and that the very times he would fail to establish parity, fellow MP Cecilia Ogwal would intervene.
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6:32 pm 

"Jacob Oulanyah has left a giant footprint in the politics of Uganda," veteran MP Cecilia Ogwal (Dokolo Woman).

"You have made an impact in the politics of Uganda."
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6:26 pm 

"This man has given us a lot of pride," says defence minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja of the late Speaker of Parliament, adding that he also wished his people well.
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6:21 pm 

State minister for finance (planning), Amos Lugoloobi, says he himself was admitted at Mulago Hospital for two-and-a-half months and that he is thankful that God spared his life. He says he learnt that "God remained the God".

Rallying for a code requiring institutions to give tithe, he says that "this House should become a living example in respecting God".

"God has his ways (...) We need to respect God," says Lugoloobi.
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6:12 pm 

West Budama Central MP Jacob Oboth Oboth speaks directly to Jacob, who is lying in state, saying that as they bury him this Friday, "the vision (...) and ideas that you had may not be buried".

"You spoke for all of us," he continues.

Oboth goes on to urge fellow legislators: "We hould not compare the Speaker that we have now and the Speaker we had. We need to support the Speaker we have as a different person."
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6:07 pm 

Speaker Anita Among thanks her fellow legislators for coming to pay tribute to their fallen leader.

When Bukomansimbi North MP Christine Ndiwalana Ndagire requests that they be given a chance to view their late Speaker's body, she informs them that she did so on behalf of all the legislators, and that she even dressed the deceased lawmaker in the official parliamentary robes.


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6:02 pm 

"We have lost a great leader with great character," says Buhweju Woman MP Oliver Katwesigye Koyekyenga. "His humanity was exceptional."

Yumbe district Woman MP Naima Melsa Gule Avako says that Oulanyah's legacy will live on and prays that the Almighty Allah receive him in paradise.
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5:43 pm 

Lutseshe MP Isaac Modoi says the death of Jacob Oulanyah resurrected "a sense of forgiveness, apologies and there is a sense of hope".

He also urges the people who are pledging to help the family of the late Speaker to fulfill their promises.

"Let us not make emotional promises."
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5:37 pm 

One legislator says Oulanyah "respected those under him".

"He used to call us by name - and in a very soft way. That was very welcoming and we felt loved."
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5:31 pm 

Bugiri Municipality MP and Justice Forum (Jeema) leader, Asuman Basalirwa, tells the House that the late Jacob Oulanyah was one of the pioneer goalkeepers of the Parliamentary Sports Club.

"When he stood in goal, with his giant figure, he would scare opponents."
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5:27 pm 

Kassanda North MP Patrick Nsamba asks Speaker Among to "give us the opportunity to debate the Uganda we want" after the burial of Jacob Oulanyah.
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5:23 pm 

Speaker Anita Among informs the MPs that "today you are sleeping here", and that food is available for them.

Milton Muwuma Kalulu (Kigulu South) says the late Jacob Oulanyah "has been a team player", particularly demonstrated when, after he was elected Speaker last year, he made history by chairing the same parliamentary sitting alongside his deputy, who was Among at the time.
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5:17 pm 

In honouring the late Speaker, Pakwach district Woman MP Jane Avur Pacuto, has a message to all leaders: "Let us re-examine ourselves".
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5:08 pm 

"You fought a good fight, you finished your race," says state sports minister and Ajuri County MP Denis Hamson Obua.

"We will miss you, but we will join you when our time comes, one at a time.
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5:05 pm 

ICT and national guidance minister and Kinkizi East MP, Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, says the late Speaker of Parliament was incorruptible, honest, reliable, resilient and loved work.
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4:59 pm 

While one legislator pays tribute to Jacob Oulanyah's impeccable time-keeping discipline - in and outside of Parliament - another says he "has made his mark and contribution to this country".
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4:54 pm 

Stephen Baka Mugabi, the representative of Bukooli North in Parliament, says Oulanyah "left too soon because the country was yet to see his best".

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4:46 pm 

Meanwhile, Speaker Anita Among is back in the seat. Her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, gives way.

The session carries on. Every MP present for this special sitting has been assured they will be given a chance to speak.
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4:40 pm 

Ritah Atukwatsa Bwahika, the Woman MP for Mbarara City, says the late Jacob Oulanyah had "a talent of tolerance and inclusiveness".

"He had an eye for skill, he had an eye for mentorship, and I think for many of us, it has brought us this far to be on the floor [of Parliament] to speak.

"He knew it very well that education is not neutral, but rather for liberating humankind," says the legislator, pointing to the support Oulanyah extended to children who were unable to afford going to school.
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4:34 pm 

Joanne Okia Aniku, the Madi-Okollo district Woman MP, gives an account of her encounter on a flight with Jacob Oulanyah, during which she found him welcoming around stranger faces.

"I wish the late Jacob to rest in eternal peace," she prays.
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4:21 pm 

"Today is our turn to say: 'We are extremely proud of you'," says Phiona Nyamutoro, the National Female Youth MP.

She says the man lying lifeless before them was passionate about youth affairs.
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4:18 pm 

Nakawa West MP Joel Ssenyonyi, drawing from the many quotes by Jacob Oulanyah, says that the late Speaker advanced a message to office bearers in the country: Let us serve the people. Let us place our country before ourselves.
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4:08 pm 

On the legislators says the Jacob Oulanyah had all the four qualities of a leader:

- Communication
- Empathy
- Integrity
- Confidence

Another says the former Speaker was a Godfearing person and a family man - "he loved his children and he respected his father".
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4:02 pm 

📸  Pictures from the sitting 👇🏽

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3:54 pm 

Former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Betty Aol Ochan, passionately reveals that she was Oulanyah's teacher in the early 1980s.

"His messages were very clear," she says.

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3:47 pm 

Black and other dark shades are the ubiquitous colours inside the parliamentary chambers.

And everywhere you look, box ties, a trademark of the late Jacob Oulanyah.

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3:35 pm 

One of the most ubiquitous descriptions of the late Jacob Oulanyah in today's special sitting paying tribute to the late Speaker of the 11th Parliament is that he was a mentor and unifier.
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3:23 pm 

The Minister of the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, says the late Oulanyah spoke his mind and that "we shall always remember his integrity, honesty and his power of speech".

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3:13 pm 

Henry Musasizi, MP of Rubanda East, says he drew two lessons from the late Speaker: reliability and trust. Musasizi is also the Minister of State for Finance Planning and Economic Devt.
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3:08 pm 

Budadiri East MP Nathan Nandala Mafabi, who joined Parliament in 2001 alongside Oulanyah, says the late Omoro County legislator "was one of the peacemakers we had" and that his warm smile helped to thaw tensions during confrontational circumstances.

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3:03 pm 

Ronald Balimwezo, who represents Nakawa East in Parliament, says that in Jacob Oulanyah, "we have lost the country's best orator".

"He was a passionate believer of the fruits of the Holy Spirit - he loved peace, he loved joy."

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa is in charge. Every speaker has two minutes to pay their tribute.

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2:57 pm 

Meanwhile, the body of the late Speaker will lie in state inside Parliament overnight ahead of Wednesday's state funeral service at Kololo Independence Grounds.
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2:48 pm 

"He really served above self."

That's another description of the late Jacob Oulanyah.
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2:41 pm 

Legislators agree to each contribute sh1m to the education fund established to further support the children the late Jacob Oulanyah helped to attend school.

This was a suggestion advanced by Kitgum district Woman MP Beatrice Anwar.

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2:34 pm 

Kazo County MP Dan Kimosho wishes that "the spirit of Jacob Oulanyah keeps us awake and we end medical tourism in Uganda", a reiteration of Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze's earlier submission on the same.

In her remarks, Nambooze urged that the Lubowa International Specialised Hospital project is expediated.
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2:25 pm 

Buyende district Woman MP Mary Annet Nakato thanks the Speaker, Anita Among, the Chief Justice, and DP president Norbert Mao for their support and friendship Oulanyah, especially in his last days alive.
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2:13 pm 

"Jacob Oulanyah." [Pause]

"Jacob Oulanyah." [Pause]

"Jacob Oulanyah." [Pause]

That is the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, calling out to the late Speaker lying in the casket in their midst. He says Oulanyah's voice will not be heard again.

Describing him as a "giant of giants", Oryem thanks God for "giving this Parliament a Jacob Oulanyah in our lifetime".

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2:05 pm 

"My friend and my mentor."

"His humour was unmatched."

"He had time for us in office."

"A man who loved his family".

These are some of the phrases that have been used to describe the late Jacob Oulanyah.

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1:57 pm 

Recalling how he got inspired by Jacob Oulanyah's legal practice, Busiro MP Medard Sseggona says his ambitions of becoming a lawyer were revived after seeing Oulanyah handle a cross-examination in a key case back in the day.

He says Uganda needs intelligent and compassionate leaders, like "Ladit" was.
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1:46 pm 

Butambala County MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, says that it was because of the strike that Oulanyah got involved in back at university - during which his spleen got damaged - that "we still have government sponsorship at university level".
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1:40 pm 

Kampala Central MP Muhammad Nsereko, who contested - and lost - against Oulanyah for Deputy Speaker in 2016, says the late Speaker was a "unifier, a patriot and someone who would say no and yes. His no was no and his yes was yes".

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1:33 pm 

Nathan Byanyima, the MP of Bukanga North, says Oulanyah "was special" and was "one person who treated everybody equally".

The speaker before him provided a biblical reference to Proverbs 11 to urge her fellow leaders on humility.

"If we can be humble, God will give us the wisdom that Jacob had. Be humble."
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1:25 pm 

MPs continue to pay their tributes to the late Speaker of Parliament, with Bugweri County MP Abdu Katuntu describing Oulanyah as a very brilliant man, who "could be relied on".

He says one of the lessons to draw from the late Omoro County MP's life is to be courageous.

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1:06 pm 

Security minister and Rujumbura County MP Jim Muhwezi honours a "gentle giant who has made immense contribution to this Parliament and the country at large".

He says Oulanyah was "an oustanding debater" with a unique talent - "quick-witted, smart and combined with an exceptional sense of humour".
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1:00 pm 

Gender minister and Oyam South MP Betty Amongi speaks of Oulanyah's contribution in the reconciliatory talks between Government and the Joseph Kony-led LRA, and firmly says that "history will reward your accomplishments".
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12:58 pm 

Agriculture minister and Kibale East MP Frank Tumwebaze pays tribute to Oulanyah's intellectual depth, which he describes as "phenomenal".

"He stood for the politics of the answer and not the anger."

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12:54 pm 

Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda strikes a critical tone when he talks of the events that unfolded before and after Oulanyah's death,including the controversy surrounding the state funeral budget for the former Speaker.

He says Oulanyah was not a vindictive man.

Dr. Lulume Bayiga, the MP for Buikwe South, talks of how he was inspired by Oulanyah and his cohort of young leaders from the university back in the day - something he says he is celebrating today.
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12:38 pm 

The State Minister for Agriculture (Animal Husbandry), Bright Rwamirama, says Oulanyah was "a dependable personality".

"He was fair, very rational and that's why he pulled all of us to his side."

Also describing Oulanyah as a Godfearing man and one of influence, the minister adds that the late Speaker was a nationalist, who demonstrated it by marrying from another tribe".

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12:29 pm 

The Third Deputy Prime Minister, Lukia Isanga Nakadama, says the "nationalist and patriotic character of the late [Jacob Oulanyah] is not a subject of debate".

She says he had "clear understanding" and advocated for giving opportiunity to the less haves.

"The late Jacob Oulanyah was an honest person who would call a spade a spade", says the minister, adding that the late Omoro County MP was also a "joyful person" and a "role model to all generations - the young, the youth and the old".

"He was a dedicated Christian and we believe he died in the Lord," says Nakadama.
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12:17 pm 

Former NRM party secretary general Justine Kasule Lumumba was a close friend of Oulanyah's.

The Speaker invites her to speak about the late former Parliament leader. In her message, Lumumba says that "even in his poor health, Oulanyah remained strong-willed".

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12:02 pm 

Oulanyah's death report

Health minister and Lira City MP Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng is called forward to provide a report on the death of Jacob Oulanyah, whose ill health, it is revealed started in 2019.

"He discovered a swelling in the neck - a relatively big one," says Aceng. "He then sough medical attention in Germany, where the swelling was removed and analysed and he was told it was a cancer."

Oulanyah was started on treatment, which he got at the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI), before then visiting several other hospitals because of the same.

On Janaury 23, he was admitted to Mulago, where he was to stay for two weeks, in preparation for his travel abroad for gene therapy treatment. The health minister reveals that visitors were limited because Oulanyah's bone marrow was badly affected, which meant that interaction with many people would worsen the situation.

Aceng particularly recognises the role of played by Dr. Jackson Orem, a medical oncologist and executive director of UCI, "who attended to him [Oulanyah] from the time he discovered the lump".

On February 3, five people, including Oulanyah and Orem, flew to Seattle. The others included two hospital attendants and Oulanyah's security guard. While in hospital in the US, several investigations were repeated and details on all this were provided, according to the health minister.

On the death summary report, the immediate cause of death was multiple organ failure (heart, lung, liver and kidney failing).

Aceng reports that Oulanyah's liver started failing while he was still in Uganda and that fluid started filling in his lungs while still in the country. His heart and kidney failed in Seattle.

Oulanyah had multiple bacterial infections, discoverd in Uganda, and viral infection, discovered in Seattle. The treatment further suppressed his bone marrow.

Consequently, Oulanyah lived on blood and platelets every day.

He suffered progressive recurrent diffuse large B cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Chemotherapy had also greatly weakened his system.

There were contributory conditions. Oulanyah had lymphatic sustained depletion. He lost his spleen while he was at Makerere. 

He started having gastro-intestinal bleeding as well as multi-blood resistance pneumonia.
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11:47 am 

Speaker Anita Among reads condolence messages from various people.
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11:40 am 

The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga, also a seconder of the motion, says the death of Jacob Oulanyah is a "huge loss to the country and to Parliament as well".

He says the Omoro County MP was an encyclopedia of parliamentary procedure and "distinguished himself as one with clear mastery of parliamentary practice".

Describing him as a man who "worked his way up" as opposed to climbing up, Mpuuga says Oulanyah was "a fine gentleman, he was a good man".

"'OJ' was able to draw a boundary between being a leader and being a politician," says the LOP, adding that his "extraordinary eloquence, clarity and speech made him unique".

Mpuuga speaks of Oulanyah's "humility and meekness" and that he was "apologetic many a time" and a "master of balancing the interests of everyone".

Oulanyah, according to the LOP, "exhibited a level of fairness despite partisan pressure bestowed on the office of the Speaker".
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11:26 am 

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, a seconder of the motion to pay special tribute to Oulanyah in Parliament, says the late Speaker was an "accomplished legislator", a "true nationalist" and a "pro-people person", who conducted his duties with "excellence".

She says Oulanyah sought to restore the public's confidence in the institution of Parliament and that he was keen on "constructive, evidence-based debate" in the House.

Nabbanja speaks of how Oulanyah respected time, ensuring that the sittings he chaired "started on the dot".
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11:22 am 

Jacob Oulanyah in brief:

Jacob Oulanyah served as Speaker of the 11th Parliament from May 24, 2021 until the time of his death.

He was Deputy Speaker of the 10th and 9th Paliaments from 2011 until 2021.

He represented Omoro County in Gulu district between 2001 until his death.

He was the chairperson of northern region of the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) from 2020 to the time of his death.

He was the chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into the Sublease of Kisekka Market in 2008.

He was the UN special envoy to the Uganda peace talks between the Government of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA). 

He also participated in drafting the Juba Peace Agreements in 2006, earning him an honorary Doctorate of Divinity by Zoe Life Theological College, USA.

He was the chairperson of the Committee on Legal and Parliamentarty Affairs from May 2001 to 2005.
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11:13 am 

The Vice-President thanks President Yoweri Museveni for "his unwavering support and effort in trying to save Hon. Jacob Oulanyah" and for "enabling Government to accord him a state funeral that is deserving of a man of the calibre of Jacob Oulanyah".

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11:10 am 

Next on the Order Paper, Vice-President Jessica steps forward to move a motion for Parliament to honour the late former Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah.

She presents a brief on the illustrious career of Oulanyah, whom she decribes as having had an "exemplary and distinguished career and meticulously served the nation in various capacities".

The motion is seconded by the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and "by the whole House", says Speaker Anita Among.
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10:57 am 

Laying of wreaths

Next:

- Sebei Parliamentary Group
- Karamoja Parliamentary Group
- Older Persons
- East African Legislative Assembly (EALA)

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10:54 am 

Laying of wreaths

Next:

- Bunyoro Parliamentary Group
- Rwenzori Parliamentary Group
- Tororo Parliamentary Group
- Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF)
- Independents
- Bugisu Parliament

Meanwhile, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo has arrived for the special sitting at Parliament. He was a close friend to Oulanyah.

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10:46 am 

Laying of wreaths

Next:

- Uganda Women Parliamentary Association (UWOPA)
- Buganda Parliamentary Caucus
- West Nile Parliamentary Group
- Lango Parliamentary Group
- Greater North Parliament Group
- Busoga Parliamentary Group
- Ankole Parliamentary Group
- Teso Parliamentary Group
- Kigezi Parliamentary Group

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10:37 am 

Laying of wreaths

Next up:

- Justice Forum (JEEMA)
- People's Progressive Party (PPP)
- National Unity Platform (NUP) Women's League
- National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus
- Chairperson of Chairpersons Forum
- National Unity Platform (NUP)
- Acholi Parliamentary Group

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10:30 am 

Laying of wreaths

Next up:

- Parliamentary Commission
- Chief Opposition Whip
- Committee of Defence and Parliamentary Affairs
- Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)
- Democratic Party (DP)
- Uganda People's Congress (UPC)

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10:26 am 

Laying of wreaths

Item number four on today's Order Paper is the laying of wreaths on the casket. The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among is first.

Vice-President Jessica Alupo is next, followed by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and then the Prime Minister (Leader of Government Business) Robinah Nabbanja.

Next up is the First Deputy Prime Minister and EAC Affairs Minister and former Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga.

After Kadaga is the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Mathias Mpuuga and then security minister Jim Muhwezi.

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10:18 am 

The Speaker of Parliament urges all the members present to rise to observe a moment of silence in honour of a man she formerly deputised in the House.

After that honour, Among asks that Oulanyah's casket is brought into the chambers, which is done with the members still on their feet.

Anthems are next, animated by the Uganda Police Force band.

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10:13 am 

'Please forgive him'

In her opening remarks, the Speaker says that their task as MPs of the 11th Parliament is to exude the Jacob Oulanyah's ambition of engaging in "evidence-based debate" and having "a people-centred Parliament".

She also thanks the President for doing everything humanly possible to try to save Oulanyah's life - although God had the final say.

Among also strikes a reconciliatory note: "If anybody was hurt by the Rt. Hon. Jacob, kindly forgive him so that he goes in peace".
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10:08 am 

Speaker Anita Among, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and Clerk to Parliament Adolf Mwesige are led into the filled chambers.

After a brief prayerful moment, Among sets the session in motion.

"I would like to welcome all of you Honourabl Members to this special sitting. It is not an easy sitting. It is one full of emotions" she says, "as we pay special tribute to a gallant son of Uganda".

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9:58 am 

The members of the Uganda Bikers Association raise their helmets on the flanks of Oulanyah's casket in honour of their late member, who was an avid biker.

During the funeral service at Muyenga on Sunday, the bikers presented a white helmet to Oulanyah posthumously, which has been placed on the former Speaker's casket here at Parliament. As bikers, they chose white to symbolise Oulanyah's riding with the angels in Heaven.
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9:52 am 

🔔 DING DING DING! And there goes the bell, signalling the start of today's special plenary to pay tribute to former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah.

The bell is not unique to today's occasion, though. It is always sounded on plenary days to alert MPs to head to the chambers for sittings.

Remember the bell that the time prefect/keeper used to hit for assembly, tea, lunch or supper/dinner break back in school? That's exactly what is ringing out in Parliament now.

Meanwhile, Uganda national flags continue to fly at half mast until after Oulanyah has been laid to rest.

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9:47 am 

The Vice-President of Uganda, Jessica Alupo, signs the condolence book, as does Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
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9:45 am 

Inside the parliamentary chambers, legislators have filled the room for today's special sitting.
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9:41 am 

The chaplain of Parliament delivers a brief prayer as the top leaders of Parliament (Speaker, deputy and Leader of Opposition) and government, and the late Speaker's family take their seats on either side of the casket in the reception area of Parliament.

It is a filled room as the band plays ♫ Sweet Jesus ♫
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9:35 am 

After being received by the Speaker and co, the casket is lifted up the steps of Parliament by funeral management staff and Police officers into the building, before being placed on an already set low platform amid a shower of petals.

As a dirge plays in the background, it is interrupted by percussions by the vibrant Bwola dancers outside.
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9:28 am 

The casket carrying Oulanyah's body is carried out of the hearse and gently placed on a trolley to be wheeled by Police officers wearing ceremonial black uniform on the red carpet for official reception.

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9:16 am 

The moment the cortege reached Parliament Avenue, hundreds of people lined the street to watch the hearse ease up the road.

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9:15 am 

BREAKING NEWS

The body of the late former Speaker of Parliament of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah, has arrived at Parliament.

Ready to receive the body are Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa, as well as Vice-President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and former EALA Speaker, Margaret Nantongo Zziwa.

A platform has been set up, where the casket of Oulanyah will be placed upon being brought into Parliament.

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9:11 am 

Dignataries continue to arrive.

Meanwhile, the Bwola dancers are already singing, dancing, sounding drums and blowing local flutes to welcome the former Speaker.

Alongside the traditional dancing troupe are members of the Acholi Parliamentary Forum, who are leading the procession to the entrance of Parliament.
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8:59 am 

The procession has reached the Kampala-Jinja Road traffic lights junction and is now slowly making its way towards Nile Avenue and then Parliament Avenue.

The ladies and gentlemen of the press are readying themselves for the arrival.

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8:52 am 

All staff of Parliament have been asked to make their way to the entrance to welcome the arriving hearse, which is only minutes away.

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8:51 am 

At Parliament, MPs wearing black outfits and bow ties (men) have lined the red carpet, holding up black, red, yellow and white balloons, as they wait patiently to welcome the body of their former leader for a special sitting.

Jacob Oulanyah was elected Speaker of the 11th Parliament in May 2021 and was to serve at the helm for five years, until 2026. But he did not make it that far, succumbing to reported cancer 10 months into his leadership at the age of 56.

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8:42 am 

As the cortege proceeds to Parliament, pockets of people are seen standing along sections of the road to catch a glimpse of the hearse.

The mood may be of gloom, but weatherwise, it promises to be a sweltering day in Kampala - already, it is a good 22°C.
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8:31 am 

The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has arrived at Parliament. She will receive the body of a man she previously deputised in the 11th Parliament, before succeeding him following the unfortunate circumstance of death.


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8:25 am 

It has been a slow procession on a narrow stretch in Muyenga right from Oulanyah's plush home, but the speed has begun to pick up.

The cortege is headed for Parliament, where a special sitting will be held this morning to honour the former Speaker of the 11th Parliament.

Oulanyah died as the sitting MP for Omoro County in northern Uganda.

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8:18 am 

At Parliament, a band is performing a solemn dirge as the body of the late Jacob Oulanyah is awaited. The steps leading up to the parliamentary interior are adorned with red and yellow petals, as legislators continue to arrive for the morning sitting.

In Muyenga, road traffic there has been brought to a standstill to allow for smooth flow of the cortege, led by the Uganda Bikers Association, which Oulanyah was a member of as a keen biker.
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8:10 am 

'An extraordinary shoe'

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8:00 am 

At exactly 8am on a warm Tuesday morning in Uganda's capital Kampala, the casket containing the body of Jacob Oulanyah is moved out of his palatial Muyenga residence by a team of funeral management staff and Police officers, through a Police guard of honour and into an awaiting hearse in the home compound.

The cortege is destined for Parliament, a 30-minute drive, where a huge tent has been set up in the vast parliamentary compound. A red carpet has been laid out, with a flowery touch added - right from the entrance.
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7:58 am 

Here is the rest of the funeral programme:

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7:55 am 

A timeline of events

On Sunday, March 20, President Yoweri Museveni announced to the nation the death of Uganda's Speaker of Parliament, Jacob L'Okori Oulanyah, that occured in a hospital in the US city of Seattle, where he had been admitted for specialized treatment.

The following day (March 21), the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, and the National Organising Committee held the first preparatory meeting for the state funeral in honour of the late Speaker.

A condolence book was opened at Parliament for members of the public to pay tribute to Oulanyah, until when his body arrives in Uganda.

On Friday, March 25, five days after Oulanyah's death at the age of 56, Parliament convened at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for a special sitting to elect a new Speaker of the 11th Parliament as well as a deputy. 

Bukedea Woman MP Anita Among, who served as Oulanyah's deputy, took the day by a majority parliamentary vote. Thomas Tayebwa, formerly the Government Chief Whip, was elected Deputy Speaker at the same sitting.

Exactly a week later (April 1), Uganda received Oulanyah's body at Entebbe International Airport. It arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

The casket was then moved to a funeral home in Mengo in the capital, Kampala.

On the morning of Sunday (April 3), Oulanyah's body was moved to his home in Muyenga in Kampala for a funeral service attended by hundreds of mourners, who paid their respects to the former Speaker. 

On Tuesday (April 5), the casket was moved to Parliament for legislators to pay their last respects to their former leader. The body will lie in state at Parliament overnight.

On Wednesday (April 6), the attention will shift to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for a state funeral at 9am. Later the same day, at 3pm, Oulanyah's casket will be airlifted to Omoro, Lalogi village, his ancestral home.

On Thursday (April 7), the body will lie in Lalogi for final respects by members of the public.

Then on Friday, 19 days after his death, Oulanyah will be laid to rest. The day will be observed as a public holiday as declared by President Yoweri Museveni.
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7:50 am 

Good morning!

Here in Uganda, it has been 16 days of mourning for the late former Speaker of Parliament, whose body will be moved from his home in Muyenga in Kampala to Parliament, where he served as Deputy Speaker for a decade, before his shortlived charge as Speaker.

This text commentary will update you with what will be happening. For now the hearse carrying the casket will soon make its way to Parliament from Muyenga.