The usual clamour of political debate in Uganda’s Parliament was replaced on Monday by a rare and resonant silence, a collective pause filled with the weight of a loss felt far beyond the nation’s borders. In a moving plenary session, lawmakers from across the political spectrum set aside their differences to pay tribute to a man who was neither their president nor their compatriot, but was universally recognised as a pillar of the region. The late former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, whose death on October 15th, 2025, sent shockwaves across Africa, was honoured not just as a Kenyan leader, but as a true Pan-African statesman, a friend to Uganda, and an irreplaceable force for democracy.

The session opened with a sombre communication from Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, who set the tone for the proceedings. His words were not those of a politician commenting on a foreign event, but of a neighbour mourning a dear friend. “He was a true statesman, a Pan Africanist and he was a good friend of Uganda, a good friend of the region and we shall miss him,” Tayebwa stated, his voice reflecting the sense of a shared grief. This sentiment, that Odinga’s passing was a loss for the entire continent, became the recurring theme of the day, transforming the Ugandan chamber into a microcosm of African mourning.

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, then rose to capture the essence of Odinga’s gritty, determined political career. He highlighted the poignant narrative of a man who tirelessly sought the presidency of Kenya but never attained it, yet whose impact was far greater than any single title. “His contribution to Kenya’s democracy is indelible,” Ssenyonyi remarked, pointing to the profound lesson that a leader’s legacy is built not on the positions they hold, but on the democratic foundations they help pour. It was a tribute that acknowledged the sting of political defeat while celebrating the ultimate victory of principle over power.

Further depth was added by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Nobert Mao, who pulled the focus from Kenyan domestic politics to the broader East African stage. Mao reached into the memory of previous parliaments, recalling two key bodies: the Great Lakes Parliamentary Forum on Peace and the Parliamentary Network on World Bank. He revealed Odinga as a “key promoter” of these forums, showcasing his long-standing, behind-the-scenes commitment to regional integration. This was not the fiery opposition leader often portrayed in headlines, but the pragmatic architect working to weave the nations of East Africa closer together through policy and partnership.

Perhaps the most personal and evocative tribute came from Tororo District Woman Representative, Sarah Opendi. She illuminated the unique role Odinga played in Kenya’s political ecosystem, a role encapsulated by the affectionate nickname “Baba,” which means “father” in Kiswahili. “No president ruled Kenya without engaging with Odinga,” Opendi observed, pinpointing the source of his enduring influence. He was the indispensable counsellor, the stabilizing force whose buy-in was crucial for national cohesion. She also painted a powerful picture of a nation united in grief, a testament to his ability to transcend the partisan divides he so often navigated.

The man they were honouring was a complex tapestry of political resilience. Raila Odinga, who died at 80, was an avid opposition leader who eventually became Prime Minister in the 2008 power-sharing agreement. His legendary political journey was marked by astonishing strategic shifts, forming alliances with former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018 and, most recently, with incumbent President William Ruto in 2024. This wasn’t seen as inconsistency by the Ugandan parliament, but as the mark of a pragmatic leader willing to evolve and collaborate for the sake of national and regional stability. His advocacy for monumental projects like the Standard Gauge Railway was cited as a concrete example of his vision for a more connected and prosperous East Africa.

As the tributes concluded, what remained in the air was more than just a collection of kind words for a departed leader. The Ugandan Parliament had done more than honour Raila Odinga; they had defined a template for statesmanship. They celebrated a man whose life taught that true power lies in the respect one commands, the counsel one offers, and the bridges one builds—not just between political rivals, but between nations. In mourning “Baba,” Uganda was acknowledging that the spirit of Pan-Africanism is not an abstract ideal, but the work of formidable individuals, and that the echo of such a giant’s footsteps will be heard for a very long time.