The Minister of Information and National Guidance Hon Chris Baryomunsi has expressed dismay at Uganda Police for summoning Nathan L’Okori, the father of Jacob Oulanyah.
The police spokesperson Fred Enanga on Monday indicated that L’Okori is among the five people who will be invited to make statements over claims that the fallen Speaker was poisoned.
The other four are former Minister Godfrey Kiwanda, Minister Baryomunsi, NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi and former UPC president Olara Otunnu.
Oulanyah’s father has maintained that his son confided into him that he had been poisoned.
Whereas the President had earlier come out to warn whoever made the claims to be arrested, the 92-year-old was unmoved, he would make similar remarks while sending off his son.
A day after the burial the former Minister Kiwanda made same comments while appearing on Capital FM radio.
This prompted police to announce that the five people will be invited to make statements.
Minister Baryomunsi who is among the summoned wondered why police would involve him in the ‘poison drama.’
On Tuesday he lambasted Police while addressing media in Kampala.
“The father needs counselling so that he comes to terms for the loss of his son but at this rate, Fred Enanga might summon Jacob Oulanyah,” he said.
Baryomunsi added that LOkori’s words can only be against his departed son.
He wondered how else would Police obtain Oulanyah’s statement.
“Because his father says my son told me. So it will be Oulanyah’s word against that of his father. My advice to police is, yes investigate but do it professionally and avoid dragging our names into this drama of poison.”
Baryomunsi said the position of government remains as to what the medical report stated.
That Jacob Oulanyah died of cancer and associated complications.
“And also lets allow Oulanyah to rest instead of keeping this discussion, I don’t know for what benefit. Enanga in my language is a musical instrument and this time round he is adding a discord. Because his statement is saying he is focusing on those who are peddling information that Jacob Oulanyah was poisoned.”
“From what I have received am I among those who have been saying he was poisoned? So he should be professional in the way he does his investigations.”
“I want to add my voice to caution those Ugandans who want to continue with that drama of poison because there is no justification whatsoever for anybody to keep saying that Oulanyah was poisoned,” he concluded.
