I stand Firm Castigating Jacob Oulanyah’s Tormentors – CJ Owiny Dollo

By CJ Alfonse Owiny – Dollo

The Chief Justice of Uganda Alphonse Owiny-Dollo has said in a statement that he stands firm in the castigation of those who tormented Jacob Oulanyah yet the former Speaker was in need of compassion.

“I stand firm in my castigation of those who mercilessly tormented Jacob Oulanyah at the time he needed compassion most; and, who dance on his grave,” CJ Owiny Dollo partly said in a statement where he also apologies to the Kabaka of Buganda over previous emotional statements.

Below is the full statement

Last week, during the vigil held at the home of the fallen Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Jacob

Oulanyah, I made a speech that was laden with unbearable grief and pain for the demise of our departed brother.

This grief and pain [were] exacerbated by those who had exhibited unthinkable callousness

while the Speaker was fighting for his life; and, have continued to do so even as he lies dead. I castigated the perpetrators of these evil deeds in no uncertain language.

However, in the course of this emotional expression, I made a wrong and inappropriate reference to His Majesty, the Kabaka of Buganda.

I hereby unequivocally, unreservedly, and of my free volition, wholly retract that reference; and also hereby, tender my apology to His Majesty, the Kabaka.

I will immediately hereafter communicate to the Katikkiro of Buganda in writing, Otherwise, I stand firm in my castigation of those who mercilessly tormented Jacob Oulanyah at the time he needed compassion most; and, who dance on his grave.

I reiterate that this contravenes our much cherished African culture, and it must be condemned by all people of good will.

I also reiterate the statement I made about my admiration of, and long-standing association with, the people of Buganda among whom I have lived for the greater part of my life.

I call upon them to be wary of people who are now seen as representing the views of Buganda, but instead tarnish the great name of Buganda. On this, I speak from experience; the Acoli having suffered the tragic repercussions caused in part by our failure to shun and restrain those who were ill-placed to occupy position as opinion leaders influencing the course of events in our society, for which we have paid a heavy price.

I reiterate my appeal to the people of Buganda to learn from our experience. In this regard, I do profusely hail Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga for his press release which has demonstrated maturity, magnanimity, soberness, and a conciliatory tone. That reflects and displays the true nature of the Buganda | have always proudly

associated myself with.

Given the tone of communication by the Rt Hon Katikkiro, we can now all in harmony accord the Rt Hon Jacob Oulanyah a dignified funeral, concluding with his burial, to which everyone is most welcome.

The Author is the Chief Justice of the Republic of Uganda