Was She Involved In His Death? See Shocking Statements Oulanyah Made About Speaker Anita Among
The final chapter of Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah’s life, as he battled a prolonged illness before his death in March 2022, remains a subject of reflection across Uganda’s political landscape. While no direct quotes from the Speaker in his final hours are on public record, the accounts of those close to him — including Anita Among, who succeeded him as Speaker — paint a picture of a respected leader whose impact on Parliament and personal relationships was widely acknowledged.
Oulanyah, a lawyer and seasoned legislator, became Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda in May 2021 after serving for a decade as Deputy Speaker. Less than a year into his tenure, he fell gravely ill and sought specialist treatment abroad. The precise nature of his illness was not publicly disclosed, and details about his condition were limited, prompting widespread public concern.
In early 2022, Oulanyah was flown to Seattle in the United States of America after experiencing serious health complications. Reports at the time indicated that his condition had deteriorated significantly prior to his transfer for advanced medical care. Close associates and parliamentary colleagues were increasingly alarmed as his absence from public duties became more prolonged.
Anita Among, who was Deputy Speaker at the time, was among the senior officials who became concerned when attempts to reach him reportedly went unanswered. Accounts from individuals familiar with the situation indicate that Oulanyah was visibly weak and struggling when his health crisis intensified, prompting urgent medical intervention and his eventual transfer overseas.
Despite receiving treatment in the United States, Oulanyah’s condition worsened. On March 20, 2022, President Yoweri Museveni announced that the Speaker had died in Seattle while undergoing specialized care. The news triggered an outpouring of grief from across Uganda’s political divide, with leaders from government and opposition expressing condolences to his family and constituents.
In the absence of authenticated last words, much of what is known about Oulanyah’s final period comes from tributes delivered after his passing rather than from statements made by him while hospitalized. There are no verified reports of specific remarks he made on his deathbed about Anita Among or any other political figure.
Following his death, Anita Among issued public statements honoring Oulanyah’s leadership and character. She described him as a model leader who steered the activities of Parliament with dedication and professionalism.
During memorial events and press briefings, she emphasized that every effort had been made to ensure he received the best possible treatment. She also spoke of his warmth, sense of humor, and commitment to parliamentary procedure, noting that his absence would leave a significant gap in the institution.
Her remarks reflected respect and institutional continuity rather than private final conversations. No official transcripts, recordings, or family confirmations have documented any direct statements by Oulanyah regarding Among during his final hours.
After his passing, the constitutional process led to Anita Among’s election as Speaker of Parliament. Her elevation marked a significant transition in parliamentary leadership during a sensitive period. Political observers noted that the shift occurred under tragic circumstances rather than through planned succession.
Over time, discussions about parliamentary leadership have continued within Uganda’s broader political discourse. However, such commentary has centered on institutional developments rather than verified statements from Oulanyah himself prior to his death.
Oulanyah’s funeral and burial in Omoro District drew national attention. Thousands of mourners, including senior government officials, legislators, religious leaders, and members of the public, gathered to pay their respects. Tributes highlighted his legal background, articulate debating style, and efforts to maintain order and decorum in Parliament.
Parliament later held commemorative events recognizing his contribution to legislative work and national governance. Colleagues across party lines remembered him as firm but fair in his application of parliamentary rules.
The absence of documented final words underscores the private nature of a leader’s final moments, particularly during serious illness. While public curiosity about what he may have said persists, responsible reporting relies only on verified information. To date, there is no credible evidence of specific deathbed statements by Jacob Oulanyah about Anita Among.
His legacy, as reflected in official tributes and parliamentary records, remains rooted in his years of public service rather than in unconfirmed accounts of his final hours.
