Anita Annet Among, the Speaker of Parliament, consoling the late Mzee Nathan Okori Adiyo, upon the death of his son and former Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Messages of condolence have continued to flow following the passing of Mzee Nathan Okori Adiyo, a respected elder and father of the late former Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah.
Mzee Okori Adiyo died on March 20, 2026, at the age of 97 at St Mary’s Hospital Lacor, where he had been admitted just two days earlier. According to the Minister of Justice, Norbert Mao, the deceased had been battling respiratory complications, and his condition deteriorated rapidly before his passing.
Leading the tributes was the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, who expressed profound sorrow in an official statement shared on her X (formerly Twitter) account. She described the loss as deeply painful not only to the bereaved family but also to the parliamentary fraternity that continues to remember the late Oulanyah.
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform our esteemed colleagues, the Parliament fraternity, and all who loved our brother, the late Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah, that his father, Mzee Nathan Okori Adiyo, has passed away at the age of 97,” she said. She added that funeral arrangements would be communicated after consultations with the family.
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, also described the passing as “very sad indeed,” reflecting the somber mood within Uganda’s political circles.
The death of Mzee Okori carries a poignant historical resonance, as it occurred exactly four years after the passing of his son, Jacob Oulanyah, who died on March 20, 2022. This coincidence has struck many as a solemn reminder of the enduring bond between father and son.
Mzee Okori first came into the national spotlight during the burial of his son in Omoro District in April 2022. At the time, he stirred public debate when he questioned the official cause of Oulanyah’s death, alleging poisoning—claims that were widely discussed but never conclusively proven.
Jacob Oulanyah’s death itself marked a significant moment in Uganda’s political history. He passed away at the age of 56 while receiving treatment in Seattle, United States. His death was announced by President Yoweri Museveni, who described him as a “good cadre” and a promising leader whose future contributions to the country had been cut short.
Born in 1965 in Omoro District, Oulanyah rose from humble beginnings to become one of Uganda’s most influential legislators. A trained lawyer, he built a reputation for his sharp legal mind and articulate debate skills. He served as Deputy Speaker from 2016 to 2021 before being elected Speaker in May 2021, defeating former Speaker Rebecca Kadaga in a closely contested race.
His tenure as Speaker was, however, brief due to illness, which government officials later indicated had begun as early as 2019 and eventually led to multiple organ failure. Following his death, Anita Among was elected Speaker, ensuring continuity in Parliament’s leadership.
Four years on, Oulanyah’s legacy remains deeply embedded in Uganda’s political landscape. He is remembered for his intellect, wit, and ability to navigate complex legislative matters with authority and composure.
As the country mourns Mzee Nathan Okori Adiyo, many have reflected on the remarkable life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind—not only as a father to a national leader but also as a patriarch whose family contributed significantly to Uganda’s public life.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in due course as the nation joins the bereaved family in mourning and remembrance.
