A somber mood has engulfed parts of the country following the death of Mzee Nathan Okori, the father of former Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah.
The news was confirmed by Norbert Mao, the Minister for justice and Constitutional Affairs, who revealed that Mzee Okori passed away after being hospitalized with respiratory complications.
According to Mao, the elderly man was rushed to St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor two days ago after his condition deteriorated. Despite efforts by medical personnel, he passed away on March 20, 2026.
The death comes in a deeply emotional and symbolic moment, as it coincides with the fourth anniversary of the passing of his son, Jacob Oulanyah, who served as Speaker of Parliament until his death in 2022.
“This is uncanny,” Mao said in a message shared with the public. “On the fourth anniversary of the death of Speaker Jacob Oulanyah, we have lost his father.”
Mzee Okori was regarded as a respected elder in his community, and his passing has added to the grief still felt by many Ugandans who remember Oulanyah’s leadership and service to the nation.
Leaders and members of the public have begun sending messages of condolence to the bereaved family, describing the loss as both painful and symbolic.
Burial arrangements are expected to be communicated by the family in due course.
The passing of Mzee Okori marks yet another moment of mourning for the family and the wider community, renewing memories of the late Speaker’s legacy and the enduring impact of his life.
