Kitgum District Woman member of Parliament Dr Lilian Aber has reiterated demand for the leadership of National Unity Platform (NUP) political party to consider apologizing to the Acholi community for tormenting the Late Speaker Jacob Oulanyah before heading to Northern Uganda to attend his burial.
While speaking during a radio programme over the weekend, Aber who is also the Secretary General for the ruling National Resistance Movement Parliamentary Caucus lashed out at the NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi, for failing to rein on his supporters who “resorted to tormenting” Oulanyah at a time when he was fighting for his life.
“We demand an apology from NUP for the demonstrations in Seattle. I can tell you that the people from the North are very annoyed… If he (Bobi Wine) does not want to apologize, then we are very sorry for what shall happen to him if he crosses Karuma” Aber said during a radio talk-show on Saturday.
Yesterday (Sunday) Aber re-emphasized her position on demand for an apology in a Twitter message posted on her personal account.
“Everyone is welcome for the burial of our brother. However, it would be good if NUP leadership first apologized for tormenting him at his hospital bed and hour of need before crossing Karuma for Omoro, where burial will take place.” Aber Tweeted on Sunday.
Aber said she has no doubt the protesters were NUP supporters as they were clearly putting on NUP party symbols including the red berets which are associated with NUP.
“Without doubt, those were NUP supporters and Bobi must come out and apologize to the Acholi community.” Aber said; “NUP associates itself with the red color and red berets. They should take responsibility for these demonstrations.”
Aber’s demands mirror accusations from the Chief Justice Alphonse Owiny Dollo who publicly condemned the demonstrations but also insinuated that the protestors targeted Oulanyah because he is an Acholi who doesn’t speak their language.
Oulanyah died on Sunday March 24, 2022 and his body is still in the US awaiting repatriation for a befitting sendoff and burial at his ancestral home in Omoro District. The protestors argued that the 1.7BN shillings used to facilitate the speakers evacuation would have been invested in the health care system back home.
According to the Chairperson for the National Organizing Committee which was put in place by Preside t Yoweri Museveni to oversee Oulanyah’s funeral arrangements, Hon Milly Babalanda, the final programme for the late speakers send off will be issued on Tuesday next week.