The body of the fallen Speaker, Jacob Oulanyah has arrived at Entebbe International Airport from Seattle, U.S. 

At exactly 1:57pm on Friday, 01 April 2022, the Ethiopian Airlines plane carrying Oulanyah’s casket  landed at Entebbe International Airport. 

On arrival, the casket was draped in Ugandan flag before it was received by the Vice-President, HE Jessica Alupo, Speaker Anita Among, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo and other dignitaries. 

The casket was later wheeled to the Entebbe VVIP lounge in full honours, with performances from the Bwola dancers, a royal traditional Acholi dance that is usually performed to welcome prominent people, according to the Chief Justice. 

The moment was emotional and full of grief as mourners held on to each other for strength and courage as the casket was disembarked at the lounge. 

Upon officially receiving the body, Rev Fr. Godfrey Loum, the Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Uganda led a short prayer session before the casket was handed over to A-Plus funeral service for further management. 

In a brief media interview, VP Alupo reaffirmed the President’s position that Oulanyah will be accorded a state burial. 

“We have officially received the body of our departed brother. We indeed receive the body with utmost sadness and grief. Government will accord him a state funeral. He was a national leader and therefore, his life and work has a national bearing,” Alupo said. 

She called upon the members of the public to remain united during this period of grief until the final day when he will be laid to rest in Lalogi, Omoro District on Friday, 8 March 2022.