Religious leaders in Acholi and Lango Sub-region have described the Late Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah as an advocate and icon of peace in the country.
Bishop John Baptist Odama, the Archdiocese of Gulu says Oulanyah was instrumental in promoting peace in the Acholi land and Uganda at large. He explained that Oulanyah also worked for hand in hand with the religious leaders to promote peace and unity among people regardless of political, religious on tribal affiliations.
Odama who was once Oulanyah`s counterpart in the 2006 Juba Peace Talks between the government and the Lord`s Resistance Army rebel group says the departure of Oulanyah touched them so dearly.
On Wednesday the clerics under the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative (ARLPI) and their counterparts from Lango Sub-region held prayers at the home of the Late Speaker in Ayom Lony Village, Lalogi Sub County, Omoro district.
Bishop Odama who is also the Chairperson for ARLPI says they convened for prayers to bring hope, courage, and unity with the bereaved people and also pray for the repose of the soul of Oulanyah.
Speaking on the speculation about Oulanyah’s death, Bishop Odama urged everyone to forget everything but instead reconcile, pray for Oulanyah`s soul, and do not hold grudge against anybody as they bid him farewell.
Bishop Alfred Olwa the Anglican Bishop of Lango Diocese and Chairperson Bishop of the Anglican Churches of Northern Uganda says it is their fellowship to provide pastoral roles to show solidarity with the bereaved family.
However, Jacob Oulanyah`s father Nachan Okorie, says he has given everything to God and only focused to see that his son gets a decent sendoff.
Oulanyah,56, who was the Speaker of the eleventh parliament died from Seattle, the USA where he was flown in a critical condition