Political parties under their umbrella organization, the Inter-party Organization for Dialogue (IPOD) have on Tuesday, 29 March 2022 paid tribute to the late Rt Hon. Jacob Oulanyah, the former Speaker of Parliament.
The Secretaries-General of different political parties who were accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the IPOD, Frank Rusa paid their last respects to the fallen speaker and later signed the condolence books at Parliament.
The political parties which were represented included, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Democratic Party (DP), Justice Forum (JEEMA), Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) and People’s Progressive Party (PPP).
In his condolence message, Rusa called for unity among Ugandans, especially during such times of grief.
“We join all Ugandans to mourn a very gallant, patriotic and excellent son of Uganda. We pray that in his death our country shall be united,” he said.
The IPOD team looks on as other members sign the condolence books
Speaking to the media, Richard Todwong, the NRM Secretary General lauded Oulanyah for his selfless contribution to the country saying, ’he [Oulanyah] was a servant to the nation who dedicated his time to serve mankind’.
Todwong said that the political leaders under IPOD have come in solidarity to condole with Parliament and Uganda at large about the loss of Oulanyah and urged the public to mourn him with decency and respect.
“We call upon members of the public to mourn with decency and give him the maximum respect that he deserves in death just like he deserved in life. So we call upon those who are mourning and paying tribute to be mindful of the family he has left behind and his legacy,” Todwong said.
At the time of his death, Oulanyah was serving as the NRM Vice Chairperson for Northern Uganda, a position he was elected to in August 2020.
In his message, Harold Kaija, the Deputy Secretary-General, FDC, described the deceased as a “star” and “candle” whose light could not be covered.
“It is sad that you have gone in your prime. At a time when you had promised to give MPs to define the Uganda we want. You were a star that many failed to cover. You were a candle in this world. Tell God all is not well in our motherland. I admired your eloquence and knowledge of the law,” Kaija said.
IPOD is an organization that brings together all political parties with representation in Parliament.