Four years after the death of former Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah, fresh questions have emerged over the fate of his unfinished multi-billion country home in Omoro, after mourners attending the burial of his father were left stunned by the state of the once-prominent mansion.
The expansive residence, which was under construction at the time of Oulanyah’s death in March 2022, has reportedly remained untouched despite public assurances that the government would support efforts to complete it.
On Tuesday, mourners who turned up to pay their final respects during the burial of Oulanyah’s father Nathan Okori were confronted with a painful sight a massive structure standing incomplete and visibly deteriorating, its walls weather-beaten and sections of the property beginning to rot away under years of abandonment.
For many in attendance, the scene was a stark contrast to the towering national stature Oulanyah held at the time of his death.
Oulanyah, who served as Speaker of Parliament until his passing, was among the most senior and influential political figures from northern Uganda. His death triggered an outpouring of national grief, with top government officials making several pledges in his honour including commitments tied to preserving his legacy and supporting his family.
However, nearly four years later, the condition of his unfinished Omoro mansion is now raising uncomfortable questions about whether those promises were ever followed through.
Locals and mourners at the burial quietly expressed disappointment, with some describing the neglected mansion as a symbol of how quickly the country can move on from even its most celebrated leaders.
What was once expected to become one of the most prominent homes in the area now stands as a hollow shell in parts, exposed to harsh weather, and increasingly falling into ruin.
The state of the building has also reignited debate about the many promises often made by political leaders during funerals and periods of national mourning, only for them to disappear once public attention fades.
For residents in Omoro, the unfinished mansion is no longer just a private family project. It has become a visible reminder of the gap between official words and actual action.
