The Presidential Advisor on Exports and Industrial Development, Odrek Rwabogo, has paid a glowing tribute to the late Jacob Oulanyah, by recalling the profound impact the former Speaker of Parliament had on Ugandan leadership.
Rwabogo, who met Oulanyah in 1991 at Makerere University, described the former Omoro County MP as a natural leader even as a student. He said Oulanyah’s leadership qualities were evident from the start, and he quickly became a leader at the university’s law faculty.
"Jacob represented a crop of leaders who think, communicate well, and carry along the people they lead, ensuring everyone shares the same vision," said Rwabogo, reflecting on Oulanyah’s approach to leadership and his ability to unite diverse groups of people.
Oulanyah was elected Speaker of Parliament in May 2021 succeeding Rebecca Kadaga, whom he had deputised for 10 years. He died from a US hospital on March 20, 2022.
Rwabwogo said Oulanyah’s unique ability to bridge divides across regions, generations, and social classes.
He spoke of how Oulanyah, even in the days of Uganda’s regional divisions, found ways to unite people from different parts of the country, fostering inclusivity and shared purpose.
"He had the ability to cut across regions, ages, and unite masses of people," Rwabwogo added.
Addressing what Oulanyah would be like today, Rwab3ogo described him as a fearless leader who would not hesitate to speak the truth about the weaknesses within his own political party.
"Jacob would speak without fear, addressing the weaknesses of his party, always with love," he said, quoting a Roman saying, "A true friend who loves you stabs you in the stomach, while the one who hates you stabs you in the back."
The tribute event on X Spaces brought together close family members and dignitaries, including Oulanyah’s son, Andrew Ojok Oulanyah, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who continue to honor his father’s memory.
"We as a family are like spectators because there is no way we can glorify our father as a family, however, it’s a real privilege that the public always immortalizes his memories," said Ojok, who fondly recalled his father’s towering influence within their family.
Agnes Atim Apea, the Woman MP for Amolatar, also paid tribute to Oulanyah’s exceptional leadership, highlighting his commitment to fostering open debates in parliament.
"I admired how Jacob always set aside days for legislators to discuss the kind of Uganda they wished to see," Apea said, lauding Oulanyah for his forward-thinking strategies in public service.
Opposition leader Proscovia Salaamu Musumba shared her admiration for Oulanyah’s principled approach, saying that his character was unwavering, and he always stood by his word.
"Oulanyah was a man of procedures, strong in his character, and true to his word," Musumba reflected.
The session concluded with Simon Peter Wokorach, MP for Aswa, sharing how Jacob Oulanyah’s mentorship had shaped his own leadership style.
"Jacob had all the parliamentary procedures at his fingertips, he rarely moved with papers, and he was an incredible mobilizer, a unifier, a mentor, and above all, a fearless man," Wokorach said.
As the nation continues to mourn his passing, Spaces tribute reinforced Oulanyah’s lasting legacy as a champion of good governance, social justice, and economic development.
His unwavering dedication to the well-being of his people will continue to inspire future generations of Ugandan leaders and citizens alike.