Rest In Peace; Father of Ugandan Former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah Passes Away on Fourth Anniversary of Son’s Death

The father of the late former Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah, has died on the fourth anniversary of his son’s passing, in a development that has been described as “uncanny” by Uganda’s Justice Minister Norbert Mao.

Mzee Nathan Okori passed away today, Friday, at a hospital in Gulu, northern Uganda. He was rushed there after battling respiratory complications. The news was confirmed by Hon. Norbert Mao, the Minister for Constitutional affairs in Uganda who expressed his condolences and described the timing of the death as “uncanny,” given its coincidence with the anniversary of Jacob Oulanyah’s death.

Mr. Nathan Okori gained national prominence in Uganda during the burial ceremony of his son, Jacob Olanya. During the funeral, he made startling allegations that Jacob Oulanyah had been poisoned—a claim that drew widespread attention but was never conclusively substantiated. The controversy surrounding his assertions sparked public debate and media coverage across the country.

Jacob Oulanyah, who served as Speaker of Parliament, died on March 20, 2022, at a hospital in Seattle, United States, at the age of 56. His death was announced by President Yoweri Museveni, who described him as a “good cadre” and a rising star in Ugandan politics.

“Oulanyah was young but had already made a significant impact,” Museveni said during his state funeral held at Kololo Independence Grounds. “Losing him at this time is a big loss because he was coming up, and the country was going to benefit from his leadership.”

The passing of Jacob Oulanyah marked a profound moment in Uganda’s political landscape, and his father’s death on the same date adds a somber note to the anniversary. The family and the nation continue to mourn the loss of a prominent leader and his father, whose death underscores the ongoing personal and political tragedies faced by many Ugandans.