Speaker Anita Among to Visit Jacob Oulanyah's Burial Site Ahead of Regional Plenary in Gulu

The Speaker of Uganda's Parliament, Rt Hon Anita Among, will pay tribute to her late predecessor, Jacob Oulanyah, by visiting his burial site on Tuesday, August 27th, as she leads Parliament into its first-ever regional plenary sitting. 

Jacob Oulanyah, who served as Speaker of Parliament before his untimely death from multiple organ failure in March 2022, was a beloved figure in the Northern Region. His passing in Seattle, Washington, left a deep void in Ugandan politics, particularly among his constituents in Northern Uganda.

The regional plenary sessions, which will be held from August 26 to September 1, are part of Speaker Among's initiative to decentralize parliamentary activities, ensuring that legislative processes are more accessible to the public. The sessions will begin with Speaker Among's visit to Oulanyah's burial site, a poignant gesture of respect and remembrance.

Following the visit, the Speaker will officially open a medical camp at Pece Primary School and distribute donated items to both Pece Primary School and Gulu Prisons Primary School, demonstrating Parliament's commitment to community welfare.

As part of the day's activities, tree planting ceremonies will take place at various sites, symbolizing growth and sustainability in the region.

At Kaunda Grounds, which will host the plenary sessions, Speaker Among will lay the foundation stone, marking the site’s importance as a hub for parliamentary activity. Additionally, she will engage with local community groups, including the Gulu Boda Boda Riders Association and various market women’s groups.

The plenary sittings, scheduled for August 28 and 29, will be officially opened by President Yoweri Museveni, who is expected to deliver a keynote address. 

With a budget of Shs20 billion allocated for these regional sittings, each session is reportedly costing Shs5 billion. 

The first regional plenary at Kaunda Grounds in Bardege-Layibi Division will set the stage for future sessions to be held in other regions of Uganda, including the eastern, central, and western regions. This decentralization effort is expected to enhance citizen engagement in the legislative process and strengthen the connection between Parliament and the communities it serves.