The late Hon. Simon Peter Aleper, NRM Vice Chairman for Karamoja, was laid to rest in Kangole town council, Napak district, after several days of mourning. Aleper passed away last week in a road accident in Iganga.
In a somber ceremony attended by thousands of friends and family, Aleper’s casket was lowered into the grave just before 6 PM. Officers of the Uganda Police Force honored him with a 12-gun salute.
During the requiem service at Kangole Boys’ Primary School, President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the NRM National Chairman, conveyed his condolences in a written statement read by the Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo. On behalf of the government, the NRM party, and himself, he extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, the people of Karamoja, and all Ugandans.
“It is my prayer that the Almighty God grants the family the fortitude and courage to go through this trying moment,” the President said.
President Museveni reassured Aleper’s family of the NRM’s support, emphasizing that “they have been deprived of a breadwinner. The NRM is a big clan, and therefore the children of Hon. Aleper will not be orphaned.”
The President described the former legislator for Moroto Municipality as a very resourceful leader. “He contributed to the unity and development of Karamoja, a region that was previously neglected until the NRM came into power,” Museveni said.
The NRM Chairman highlighted the loss of a loyal cadre and great mobilizer. He noted that the party was privileged to have been associated with someone of Aleper’s caliber and vision. “The party shall remain indebted to him for the invaluable service he rendered to the country.”
Al Hajji Moses Kigongo, the NRM First Vice Chairman, represented by Capt. Mike Mukula, praised the late Aleper as “an open-minded person, a dedicated servant, trustworthy, a timekeeper, and a consistent leader in all his endeavors. We shall always be grateful for the faithfulness you exhibited in serving our party and our country at large.”
He expressed his condolences to the people of Karamoja for the great loss of “a statesman.”
The NRM Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Richard Todwong, committed that the Secretariat would continue to honor the legacy, goals, and aspirations of the departed Vice Chairman.
“We shall stand together to support the family during these difficult times and in the future because they remain dear to us,” Todwong said.
He also urged the government to expedite the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident until the responsible party is apprehended.
Aleper’s wife and children praised him as a good father, an educationist, and a family man who loved and served God.
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