The Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, has described the late Mzee Nathan Okori Adiyo, father of the late former Speaker of Parliament, Jacob L’Okori Oulanyah as a “remarkable individual who raised his children with strong principles and placed great importance on education.”
Mzee Okori, aged 97, passed away on Friday, 20 March 2026, at St Mary’s Hospital Lacor after reportedly battling respiratory complications. He had been admitted for two days prior to his death.
Speaking during a funeral service held at Christ’s Church, Gulu City on Monday, attended by family, friends, and notable public figures; Among spoke fondly about Mzee Okori’s enduring legacy as the father of Jacob Oulanyah.
“I am profoundly grateful to Mzee for bestowing upon us such a distinguished leader—a brilliant lawyer, legislator, and one of the most outstanding leaders our nation has ever known. This stands as a testament to his character and dedication as a father,” she said.
Speaker Among also reaffirmed the support extended to Mzee Okori’s family following the death of his son, Jacob Oulanyah, four years ago.
“Following the passing of my brother Jacob, and together with many of his friends and loved ones, we pledged to support his family—his father, his children, and all who cared for him. I am thankful that we upheld this promise, doing everything within our power to ensure Mzee’s comfort and dignity, and that he was afforded a respectful farewell,” she said.
Among further extended her condolences to Mzee Okori’s children, grandchildren, and loved ones, assuring them of her continued support and urging the family to preserve the legacy of Jacob Oulanyah and Mzee Okori through their actions and words.
Mzee Okori’s death coincided exactly with the fourth anniversary of his son Jacob Oulanyah’s passing—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 died on March 20, 2022, at a hospital in Seattle in the United States at the age of 56. His death was announced by President Museveni, who described him as a “good cadre” and a rising national leader.
“Oulanyah was young but had already made impact Losing him at this time is a big loss because he was coming up and the country was going to benefit from him,” Museveni said at the state funeral held at Kololo Independence Grounds.
Following his death, government officials, including Health Minister Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng, indicated that his illness dated back to 2019 when he noticed a swelling in his neck and he eventually succumbed to multiple organ failure - claims the deceased Okori strongly disputed.
Born in 1965 in Omoro District, Northern Uganda, Oulanyah trained as a lawyer and rose through the political ranks to become one of the country’s most influential legislators.
Oulanyah served as Deputy Speaker 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.
Shortly after his death, Parliament elected Anita Among as Speaker, with 401 votes against 66 for Asuman Basalirwa.
Four years on, Oulanyah’s legacy continues to resonate in Uganda’s political landscape, remembered for his legal acumen, sharp wit, and parliamentary leadership.
A special council sitting in Mzee Nathan Okori Adiyo’s honour is scheduled to take place in Omoro District at 02:00pm on Monday thereafter another funeral service will be held at St Mark Church of Uganda, Ajuri at 4:00pm followed by a vigil at the family home in Ajuri.
The late Mzee Nathan Okori Adiyo will be laid to rest tomorrow, Tuesday, 31 March 2026, at Ayomlony Village, Lalogi Sub-County, Omoro District, with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 a.m.
