Retired Chief Justice Emeritus Alfonse Owiny Dollo's voice trembled with gratitude as he addressed the gathering at Christ Church Parish in Gulu to celebrate the life of Mzee Nathan Okori Adiyo, the father of the late Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah.
"My sister, Rt Hon Speaker of Parliament," he began, his eyes welling up with emotion. "I want to thank you, in front of my people, for the kindness you've shown the family."
He paused, collecting his thoughts. "One of the reasons Mzee Okori lived four years beyond his time was because of you, Anita Annet Among. You extended his life, and I'm forever grateful and may God bless you."
Dollo recalled the moments when Among stood with the family, supporting them through thick and thin. "She made possible what seemed impossible, even after losing Jacob Oulanyah. Your bond with Jacob was not just as friends, but as kindred spirits."
He emphasized Among's authenticity, saying, "You're not an Acholi girl by birth, but you've shown the true meaning of being an African child – truthful, genuine, and kind-hearted."
Meanwhile, Rt Hon Speaker Anita Annet Among didn't attend Tuesday's burial in person but was with the family from Sunday to Monday. She attended the church funeral service and visited the family, laying a wreath on the late speaker's grave before rushing back to Kampala for official duties.
Mzee Nathan Okori Adiyo passed away on March 20, 2026, at Lacor Hospital after battling respiratory complications. He was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Lalogi, Omoro District, on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026. His death brought together community members, politicians, ministers, and dignitaries from within the country to pay their respects.
