Richard Onapatum, Napak District: It was a somber mood at Kangole village, Napak District in the Karamoja Sub-Region as hundreds of mourners gathered for the burial of the former MP for Moroto Municipality, Simon Peter Aleper.
Aleper, 49, was the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Karamoja region. He died in a road crash early last week along the Tirinyi-Pallisa road while on his way to attend a Central Executive Committee meeting in Kampala.
In his tribute, President Yoweri Museveni saluted Aleper’s contribution to the socio-economic transformation of the Karamoja region. The tribute was delivered by Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, who also serves as MP for Katakwi District.
The President said Aleper served his country and the NRM Party with distinction and commitment, adding, “Our party has lost a loyal cadre and great mobiliser,” Mr. Museveni said.
He noted that the death of Hon. Aleper Simon Peter has deprived the country of a resourceful leader who contributed significantly to fostering unity and development in the Karamoja region.
The President further observed that Karamoja was a neglected area before the NRM came to power, reflecting the short-sightedness of previous regimes.
“Every part of Uganda is capable of producing wealth and jobs for our people, provided it is supplied with modern infrastructure, including good roads, electricity, schools, and hospitals,” he said.
He noted that today, Karamoja is rapidly transforming into a model hub for mining and manufacturing, and Hon. Aleper was at the forefront of encouraging the local population to welcome investors.
“The NRM party shall remain indebted to him for the invaluable service he rendered to the country,” Mr. Museveni said.
He explained that Aleper remained true to the principles of the NRM, which prioritize the interests of the people of Uganda, adding that the party has been privileged to work with a cadre of his caliber and vision.
He told mourners that as they mourn the death of Hon. Aleper Simon Peter, they should also celebrate his remarkable legacy and exemplary leadership.
“He has departed from us after offering distinguished service to Uganda and to the NRM Party. All those who associated with him should be proud of his legacy and emulate his good works,” he said.
Finally, Museveni prayed to Almighty God to grant the family the fortitude and courage to endure this trying moment.
“As I said last week, the NRM will support the widow and children of the late Hon. Aleper, since they have been deprived of a breadwinner. The NRM is a big clan, and therefore, the children of Hon. Aleper will not be orphaned,” he said.
The President promised to find a better job for the widow, Nadiye Schola, and also provide the children with a small house in Kampala.
The chief celebrant, Rt. Rev. Simon Akol Aisu, the Bishop of North Karamoja, sent his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and called on the government to improve the conditions of the road network in the country, especially in the capital, Kampala, and on highways.
He described Aleper as an extremely God-fearing person and a focused politician who served the country beyond self.
The NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, told the hundreds of mourners at Kangole Primary School that Aleper’s legacy and service would be forever remembered.
His send-off was attended by CEC members, ministers, members of Parliament, Secretariat leaders, cultural leaders, family, and friends from all walks of life.
The widow, Schola Nadiye, thanked the NRM government, especially President Museveni, for giving her husband a decent send-off. She, however, asked for assistance to support the six children her husband left behind.
Nadiye is a community development officer in Napak District earning a small salary that cannot support the family.
Captain Mike Mukula commended the late Aleper for living a short life but making a significant impact in his region and the nation at large.
He noted that the late’s life is a lesson to study, given that he was an orphan who managed to rise and succeed.
The children described their late father as very loving and a man of rare qualities—gentle, kind, and unassuming.
Trevor Lokawa Aleper, the only son among five daughters, said his father instilled in him an unwavering curiosity and an appreciation for the finer things in life. Lokawa said his father’s legacy will live on.
According to Dr. Paul Alan, a pathologist from Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Aleper died from multiple injuries, including internal bleeding, skull and rib fractures, and a ruptured liver following the car crash.
