The African Union Panel of Wise has joined Uganda in mourning late speaker of parliament Jacob L’Okori Oulanyah.
The panel was represented by its newly elected chairman H.E Dometien Ndayizeye, the former president of Burundi.
Ndayizeye was yesterday at Uganda’s embassy in Addis Ababa where he signed in the Condolence Book. The embassy led by Ambassador head of mission also Uganda’s Permanent Representative to the AU, IGAD and UNECA H.E Rebecca Amuge Otengo put up a Condolence Book where people and other dignitaries could go to honor the late Oulanyah.
In exclusive pictures and video accessed by this news site, Ndayizeye was hosted by Otengo alongside a host of the embassy staff led by defense attache Col. Zakye Fred.
Besides Ndayizeye, were also other representatives from other African countries who have stormed the embassy to sign the book in honor of the late speaker.
Among those who have signed the book included the ambassadors or representatives from Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ghana and Gambia.
Otengo commended the African nations for expressing solidarity with Uganda as it mourns one of it’s gallant sons who was pivotal in championing democratic principles and rule of law. She said Oulanyah has been key in Uganda’s democratisation process as a speaker, deputy speaker, a politician and lawyer.
“We are greatly honored. This shows Uganda and Africa are one. We are honored for hosting H.E Ndayizeye and all Their Excellencies the Ambassadors from other countries. Let us keep up this spirit of brotherhood” she said.
She commended President Yoweri Museveni for championing bilateral cooperation with African nations and the the world at large.
Oulanyah died a week ago and his remains are expected to return from Seattle this Friday. He will be buried next week on Friday at his home in Omoro. Government has earmarked a staggering Shs2.5bn towards his burial arrangement.
Meanwhile, his fans among politicians have even coined special dress codes for those who will attend his masses. For example, the ruling party’s vigil will be strictly for those wearing Yellow, while at Kololo, the mourners will put on black. Male MPs are supposed to wear bow ties to symbolize his dress code. The late speaker was known for being in love with bow ties. On the burial day, the mourners will put on white according to Veronica Kadogo, the former woman MP for Buyende district.
“At Kololo, men will put on black shirts with bow ties. At parliament, black shirts with bow ties of their party colors. At burial, white shirts with black bow ties” she says
