Umukunde Pierrine
The passing of Hon. Jacob Oulanya, former Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, in March 2022 left a void in the country’s political landscape and sparked an outpouring of grief from colleagues, constituents, and well-wishers. However, amidst the mourning, disturbing allegations of financial impropriety have emerged, involving funds earmarked for Hon. Oulanya’s medical treatment.
According to sources within Parliament, shortly before his death, significant sums of money, amounting to billions of Ugandan shillings, were deposited into a bank account to cover the medical expenses of Hon. Oulanya’s treatment. The funds were intended to finance specialized medical care, both locally and abroad, in a bid to combat the illness that ultimately claimed his life.
However, in a shocking turn of events, reports suggest that following Hon. Oulanya’s passing, certain individuals within Parliament sought to recall or withdraw the funds deposited for his treatment, purportedly with the intention of distributing the money amongst themselves. The alleged attempt to divert funds earmarked for medical expenses to personal gain has raised serious questions about ethics, accountability, and integrity within Uganda’s political elite.
The bank handling the account reportedly became suspicious of the attempted withdrawal and refused to authorize the transaction, prompting further scrutiny and investigation into the matter. However, details regarding the outcome of any subsequent inquiries remain unclear, with the source unable to confirm the status or resolution of the case.
The allegations of financial impropriety surrounding the treatment funds for Hon. Oulanya have cast a shadow of doubt over the integrity of Uganda’s parliamentary institutions and underscored the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The attempted diversion of resources intended for medical care to personal enrichment is a betrayal of the trust placed in elected officials and a gross violation of ethical standards.
Furthermore, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Uganda’s healthcare system, particularly regarding access to quality medical treatment for public officials and ordinary citizens alike. The diversion of funds intended for Hon. Oulanya’s treatment highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure that all Ugandans have equitable access to essential healthcare services without fear of exploitation or misappropriation.
As the investigation into the alleged financial impropriety continues, there is a pressing need for accountability and justice to prevail. Those found to have abused their positions of trust and authority must be held accountable for their actions, and steps must be taken to strengthen oversight mechanisms and safeguard public funds from misuse and abuse.
The legacy of Hon. Jacob Oulanya, a respected leader and public servant, deserves to be honored with integrity, transparency, and accountability. It is incumbent upon Uganda’s parliamentary authorities to uphold these principles and ensure that justice is served for the benefit of all Ugandans.
Makana Kennedy
