The body of the late former Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah has been brought back to Uganda.
The remains of Oulanyah were brought back to the country by Ethiopia Airlines that touched down Entebbe International Airport on Friday at 2pm.
The fallen Omoro County legislator’s body was received by family members, close friends, Members of Parliament and top government officials led by the Vice President of Uganda Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who is the chief mourner.
The body has been handed to A Plus Funeral Services for management.
Oulanyah passed away in Seattle, USA on 20th March, 2022 where he had gone to receive specialised treatment.
According to the official burial program, the fallen Ex-Speaker will be laid to rest next week on Friday 8th April, 2022 and the day will be observed as a public holiday.
“The casket will be received with full honors on 1st April. A few leaders and family members will be allowed at this ceremony. Immediately after, the casket will be handed over to A Plus Funeral Management,” Minister for Presidency also Chairperson National Organizing Committee in charge of Oulanyah’s burial arrangements, Milly Babalanda said in a Tuesday 29th March statement regarding Rt Hon Oulanyah’s final burial program.
“Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th April at 9am, the body will lie at the home of the Speaker in Muyenga where friends and well wishers will pay their respects. There will be a small service conducted and attended by few people on Sunday.”
The Minister added that on Tuesday 5th April 2022 at 9am, Oulanyah’s body will be taken to the Parliament of Uganda where Speaker Anita Among will lead other legislators to pay their final respects.
“The body will spend the night in parliament and on Wednesday 6th April, 2022 at 9am, it will be taken to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for a State Funeral Service.”
While at Kololo, Ms Babalanda said President Museveni will lead the nation in paying tribute to the former Speaker of Parliament.
“The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda; His Grace Dr. Stephen Kaziimba Mugalu will be the main celebrant.
“A maximum number of 1,500 persons including members of the executive, Members of Parliament, members of the Judiciary, Foreign Dignitaries, Heads of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Family Members and Leaders from Acholi Sub-region will access the grounds.”
After the Kololo ceremony, Oulanyah’s casket will at 3pm be airlifted to his ancestral home in Omoro, Lalogi village where it will be received by the deceased’s family and Acholi leaders.
“There will be a night vigil at the home. And on Thursday 7th April, 2022, the body will lie at Lalogi for final respects by Members of the public,” Ms Babalanda stated.
Then on Friday 8th, April, 2022, the burial ceremony will start at 9am and according to the Minister, the day will be observed as a Public Holiday as declared by President Museveni.
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