Jacob Oulanyah, Speaker of the 11th Parliament, has finally appeared in public after being reported to have left the country with complications related to the deadly Coronavirus.
The Speaker of the 11th Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah has finally made his first public appearance days after he was reported to have travelled out of the country with complications connected to the deadly coronavirus.
In a post via his “Team Oulanyah” prominent social media handle, the Speaker was seen taking a public walk on the streets of a yet to be identified country wearing a black mask and hoodie.
“Our Speaker Jacob Oulanyah out here enjoying his morning walk but unmasked pedestrian cannot allow him prosper,” a statement captioning the photo read.
However, this is the first time the Speaker has appeared to the eyes of many Ugandans amid claims of developing complications related to the COVID-19. Since last week, news has been circulating on different social media handles stating that Oulanyah’s absence in Parliament sittings is due to his sorrowful health state.
In an article published Tuesday by the Red Pepper, it was reported that government intends to fly out Speaker Oulanyah for advanced treatment after he contracted the coronavirus.
A day later, Daily Monitor also reported that the Speaker had flown to the United Kingdom (UK) on Tuesday over the same. Moments later, Parliament rubbished the allegations concerning his health saying that he is working from home.
Chris Obore the Director for Communication and Public Affairs at Parliament explained that Oulanyah took time off to be with his family after a hectic schedule on the campaign trail since last year.
“The Speaker is well and having time with his children at home. He has been in campaigns for more than a year. Family is as important as a national duty,” Obore said then.
In addition, he said it’s not mandated that a deputy Speaker is only allowed a chance to chair a parliamentary sitting once the Speaker is absent or sick. Obore revealed that unlike in previous regimes, for the 11th parliament it was decided that the Speaker and his deputy will both have an equal share of responsibilities.
“Secondly the Deputy Speaker chairs House as a shared responsibility not only when Speaker is away. That’s new approach,” he added saying that Parliament takes Covid19 measures seriously.
This was however coupled with a clarification from Oulanyah’s team who responded to the allegations saying that the public should disregard any of the false claims concerning his health. He revealed that he is well but just working from home following a surge in infections.
“Fellow Countrymen and Women. Kindly disregard the false alarmist reports about Speaker Jacob Oulanyah. He is well and in great spirits. At the moment, just like majority of you, he is working from home.Please wear your mask, sanitize,wash hands and stay at home,” his team tweeted.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among also earlier this week explained why his boss has been away from Parliamentary duties for the past weeks.
She said as a new strategy for the 11th Parliament they decided that both the Speaker and his Deputy will have an equal share of responsibilities in regards to how the August house will be operating.
“The country voted for a Speaker and Deputy Speaker. We agreed that each of us should work for two months, and I started. After my two months I’ll also go and rest and the Speaker will come. There’s no problem with the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Oulanyah. He is fine,” Among said.
