The late Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah, ex-wife ‘Winnie Amoo Alison’ demanded the government to open her ex-husband body for public viewing.
Through her Facebook post on her own account, Amoo showed her shockingness by writing, “why no one has been allowed to catch a glimpse of the former speaker’s body ever since the coffin in the country?.”
Then the ex-wife asked, “What is a wake or vigil without viewing?”
The body of Oulanyah was wheeled into the Parliament premises at 0900hrs on Tuesday, accompanied by a guard of honour from Members of Parliament (MPs) wearing bowties, a signature fashion he was associated with.
On the floor of parliament, Bukomansimbi North MP Christine Nandagire requested the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among to permit them to view the body of the former speaker, but her request was denied.
Among told the House that she had already viewed the body on their behalf and even dressed him in parliament attire, therefore seeing no need for the MPs also to view it.
The speaker’s remarks attracted mixed reactions on social media, and several raised questions about why Anita Among was the only one who had the privilege of viewing the body.
The ex-wife, Amoo, asked if it is also a crime for other MPs to view the body.
Furthermore, Amoo stated that this is not right. No one has seen him since he is landed.
However, Amoo officially divorced from Oulanyah in October 2016 after both parties showed agreement before the court that their marriage was “hopeless”. Soon after the divorce, Amoo married one Derek Allison, an American national.
On Wednesday, Oulanyah’s body was taken to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for a state funeral service where President Museveni was the chief mourner, although it was still not open for viewing.
The body will be airlifted to the Omoro district, where the late speaker will be laid to rest on April 8.
