The Government of Uganda is facing renewed criticism for its failure to complete the country home of former Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah, despite repeated assurances that the project would be delivered. Oulanyah passed away on March 20, 2022, at the age of 56, while receiving treatment in Seattle, United States. His unfinished residence in Omoro District has resurfaced in Parliament, with Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth questioning the government's commitment to honouring its pledge.
Oboth-Oboth expressed his disappointment during a recent visit to the imposing but incomplete structure, describing the delay as a failure to honour the legacy of a former Speaker who died while serving the country. He noted that Parliament had completed the late Speaker's term in office but had forgotten to finish the house he had started. The Speaker's concerns were echoed by Bukooli County Central MP Solomon Silwany, who stated that government representatives had made assurances on the house at least four times, repeatedly promising that its completion was imminent.
State Minister for Public Service Lydia Wanyoto responded to the concerns, promising to return within two weeks with a comprehensive update on the government's position and proposed course of action. Wanyoto stated that her ministry, working with the Speaker's office, would prepare a report on outstanding government commitments to deceased and retired senior public figures and present it to Cabinet and Parliament. However, Oboth-Oboth warned that preparing a report would not amount to fulfilling the government's commitment.
The unfinished house became a focal point during preparations for Oulanyah's burial, with government officials and political leaders making commitments to support Oulanyah's family and complete projects associated with the former Speaker. President Yoweri Museveni was publicly associated with a pledge to mobilise resources for the completion of the residence. Before his death, Oulanyah had been constructing a country residence in Ayomlony village, Lalogi Sub-county, Omoro District, intended as his family home and retirement residence.
In keeping with Acholi cultural traditions, Oulanyah's body was taken to the residence before he was buried at his ancestral home on April 8, 2022. The funeral brought the property into the national spotlight, with many leaders making public commitments to support Oulanyah's family. In March 2023, the family reported that technical work, including plumbing, was progressing and expressed hope that the President's pledge would be honoured.
An eight-member committee had also been established to follow up on promises made after Oulanyah's death. In August 2024, then-Speaker Anita Among visited the family in Omoro District, where Oulanyah's father, Nathan Okori, appealed for government assistance, saying the house and other projects initiated by his son had ground to a halt. Among assured the family that Parliament and the government remained committed to supporting them.
The delay drew further criticism in April 2026 during the burial of Oulanyah's father, Nathan Okori Adiyo. Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao publicly expressed embarrassment over the government's failure to honour the President's pledge, while Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa acknowledged the delay and said consultations with the President and Speaker would be necessary to establish a way forward.
Key points
- The government has failed to complete the country home of former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah over four years after his death.
- The unfinished residence has drawn criticism from leaders, including Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth and Minister Norbert Mao.
- The government has promised to provide an update on the project's status and proposed course of action within two weeks.
