The President of the opposition political group, Democratic Party, Norbert Mao who is one of the leaders currently in the USA to check on the hospitalised Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah, says “it is well.”
He, together with the deputy Speaker of Parliament, Annet Anita Among, Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo and one of Oulanyah’s brothers traveled to the U.S on Tuesday evening.
The Speaker is receiving specialised treatment at a Seattle based hospital where he was rushed on February 3, 2022 aboard a chartered Uganda Airlines’ Airbus A330-800 neo.
The abrupt communication of the group’s travel to America to check on the patient on Tuesday caused panic, worry and fear among Ugandans with many speculating on social media that he could be dead. This was actually worsened by the silent of the group about the Speaker’s condition since their arrival in the U.S on Wednesday.
But in a tweet at around midnight on Thursday, Mao confirmed that they were indeed in Seattle where Oulanyah is hospitalised, before revealing that the Deputy Speaker will soon issue a statement in that regard.
“I’m with the CJ, the D/Speaker, the Health Minister & the Speaker’s brother in Seattle where the Speaker is hospitalized. A man who is very ill deserves our prayers,” says Mao.
“Above all let’s respect his privacy and that of his family. The D/Speaker will soon issue a statement. It is well,” he adds.
Heis tthe first in the group which traveled to make a comment on the speaker’s current situation.
Several leaders in the country including President of opposition political party (NUP) Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and others have since taken to social media to wish him a speedy recovery.
In a statement on Tuesday, opposition political party, FDC said they wish a fast recovery to the Speaker despite differing in political beliefs.
“We send our thoughtful prayers to the Speaker of parliament Jacob Oulanyah, with the hope that you will feel better and bounce back strong as a bull. Regardless of our political differences, it’s a reminder that we are one Uganda, one people. We pray for a quick recovery,” the party indicated.
Former Jinja West MP Moses Balyeku expressed hope that Oulanyah will soon be back to his feet.
“I am sending you Hon Jacob Oulanyah get well wishes and heartfelt hopes that you are beginning to turn corner with your health. The road ahead may seem slow, but I am hoping that before long, you will be able to join us again. I look forward to having you lead way again. Get well soon,” Balyeku wrote on Twitter.
The Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye said: “I send you Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah my best wishes for your recovery. Your patience will help you to fully recharge and be back, powerful as ever. I am looking forward to your return.”
Nakaseke Woman Member of Parliament, Sarah Najjuma told the Speaker in a tweet that he will soon be well as long as he remains patient and hopeful.
“I am very sorry that you are not feeling well right now. In such moments it is hard to believe that things will soon return to normal. Remember: This is not a race. The most important task is that you take one step at a time. Before you know it, you will have reached the end of this road, and all will be normal again. I can’t wait for you to be back,” Najjuma tweeted.
In a moving plea during today’s NRM Parliamentary caucus at Kololo independence grounds, the Govt Chief Whip, Thomas Tayebwa requested Party Members to put their very own senior colleague and brother Oulanyah in prayers for a quick recovery.