Father of Former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah Dies on Fourth Anniversary of Son’s Passing

By Skika Reporter

Mzee Nathan Okori, the father of former Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah, has died on March 20, 2026—exactly four years after the death of his son—in a coincidence described as “uncanny” by Justice Minister Norbert Mao.

According to family sources, Mzee Okori had been battling respiratory complications and was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor two days before his death. His condition reportedly deteriorated, leading to his passing.

Reacting to the news, Mao said he had just been informed by the family of the elder’s death. “This is uncanny! On the fourth anniversary of the death of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, we have lost his father Mzee Nathan Okori,” he noted, adding that the development was deeply saddening.

Mzee Okori came into the national spotlight in April 2022 during the burial of his son in Omoro District. At the time, he publicly disputed the official cause of Oulanyah’s death, alleging that the former Speaker had been poisoned. The claims drew widespread public attention, although they were never conclusively verified.

Jacob Oulanyah passed away on March 20, 2022, at a hospital in Seattle in the United States at the age of 56. His death was officially announced by President Yoweri Museveni, who described him as a committed cadre and a promising national leader.

Speaking at the state funeral held at Kololo Independence Grounds, Museveni said Oulanyah’s death was a significant loss to the country, noting that he still had much to contribute.

Born in 1965 in Omoro District, Oulanyah trained as a lawyer before rising through Uganda’s political ranks to become one of the country’s most influential legislators. He served as Deputy Speaker between 2016 and 2021, before being elected Speaker in May 2021 after defeating Rebecca Kadaga.

However, his tenure as Speaker was short-lived, lasting less than a year as his health declined. Government officials, including Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng, later indicated that his illness began around 2019 and eventually led to multiple organ failure.

Following his death, Parliament elected Anita Among as his successor, ensuring continuity in the leadership of the legislative arm.

Four years later, Oulanyah’s legacy remains significant in Uganda’s political landscape, remembered for his legal expertise, sharp intellect, and ability to manage complex parliamentary debates.

The passing of his father on the same date adds an emotional dimension to that legacy, reviving memories of both a personal loss and a political career that many believe ended too soon.