Tayebwa Honours Late Nathan Okori Adiyo as Model of Integrity and Service

The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has described the late Mzee Nathan Okori Adiyo, the late father of former Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah, as a man whose life was a model of integrity, discipline, humility, and service to others.

Representing President Museveni at the burial in Lalogi Sub-County, Omoro District on Tuesday, Tayebwa said he joined the family, friends, leaders, and the people of Acholi to pay his last respects to a man whose life exemplified values of integrity, discipline, humility, and service to others.

“We should remember Mzee Nathan by looking at how he shaped his children and grandchildren into responsible citizens and leaders in both their community and the country—a role every parent must strive to fulfill,” he said, delivering the President’s message.

Tayebwa noted that this legacy was clearly evident in the late Jacob Oulanyah, who served with great commitment and patriotism as a Member of Parliament and as Speaker of Parliament.

Tayebwa further highlighted that the Okori family continues to honor this legacy through other members, including Oulanyah’s son, Andrew Ojok Oulanyah, who is actively serving the community.

Tayebwa also commended the unity and sense of purpose demonstrated by leaders and members of Parliament from the Acholi sub-region.

“Their collective commitment to a shared agenda that aligns with the NRM vision is commendable and reflects the spirit of working together for the greater good of our nation,” he said.

Tayebwa added that the government will continue working with local leaders in the fight against poverty.

Mzee Nathan Okori, aged 97, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor after reportedly battling respiratory complications. He had been admitted for two days prior to his death. His passing coincided exactly with the fourth anniversary of his son Jacob Oulanyah’s death—a fact described as “uncanny” by Justice Minister Norbert Mao.

Mzee Okori first became a figure of national attention in April 2022 during the burial of his son in Omoro District. At the time, he publicly disputed the official cause of Jacob Oulanyah’s death, alleging that his son had been poisoned—a claim that sparked widespread discussion but was never conclusively substantiated.

Jacob Oulanyah was born in 1965 in Omoro District, Northern Uganda. He trained as a lawyer and rose through the political ranks to become one of Uganda’s most influential legislators.

Oulanyah served as Deputy Speaker of Parliament from 2016 to 2021 before being elected Speaker in May 2021, defeating Rebecca Kadaga with 310 votes to 197 in a closely contested race.

His tenure as Speaker was short-lived, lasting less than a year, as his health deteriorated. He passed away on March 20, 2022, at a hospital in Seattle, United States, at the age of 56. President Museveni described him as a “good cadre” and a rising national leader.

“Oulanyah was young but had already made an impact. Losing him at this time is a big loss because he was coming up and the country was going to benefit from him,” he said during the State Funeral at Kololo.

Following his death, Parliament elected Anita Among as Speaker, with 401 votes against 66 for Asuman Basalirwa.

Health officials, including Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, indicated that Oulanyah’s illness dated back to 2019 when he noticed a swelling in his neck, eventually succumbing to multiple organ failure—a claim strongly disputed by the late Mzee Okori.

Four years on, Jacob Oulanyah’s legacy continues to resonate in Uganda’s political landscape, remembered for his legal acumen, sharp wit, and parliamentary leadership.