By Richard Onapatum
NAPAK :It was a somber mood at Kangole village, Napak District in the Karamoja Sub Region as hundreds of mourners gathered for the burial of Simon Peter Aleper, the former MP for Moroto Municipality. Aleper, 49, was the NRM Vice Chairperson for Karamoja Region and tragically died in a road crash at the beginning of last week along the Tirinyi-Pallisa road 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 the MP for Katakwi District. President Museveni noted Aleper’s distinguished service to the country and the NRM Party, stating, “Our party has lost a loyal cadre and great mobiliser.”
The President highlighted Aleper’s role in fostering unity and development in the Karamoja Region, describing his death as a significant loss to the nation. He emphasized that Karamoja was a neglected region before the NRM came to power, criticizing previous regimes for their short-sightedness. “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, hospitals,” he said.
Museveni praised Aleper for being at the forefront of transforming Karamoja into a model hub for mining and manufacturing, and for sensitizing the local population to welcome investors. He expressed the NRM Party’s indebtedness to Aleper for his invaluable service and adherence to the party’s principles, which prioritize the interests of the Ugandan people.
As the nation mourns Aleper’s death, Museveni encouraged the celebration of his 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 must be proud of his legacy and emulate his good works,” he said. The President prayed for fortitude and courage for Aleper’s family during this trying time and assured them of the NRM’s support. “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 added.
Museveni promised to find a better job for Aleper’s widow, Nadiye Scola, and provide the family with a small house in Kampala. The chief celebrant, Rt. Rev. Simon Akol Aisu, Bishop of North Karamoja, extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and urged the government to improve road conditions in the country, especially in Kampala and on highways. He described Aleper as a God-fearing and focused politician who served the nation selflessly.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong addressed the mourners at Kangole Primary School grounds, affirming that Aleper’s legacy and service would be remembered forever. His send-off was attended by CEC members, ministers, MPs, secretariat leaders, cultural leaders, and numerous friends and family members.
Aleper’s widow, Schola Nadiye, expressed gratitude to the NRM government and President Museveni for the dignified send-off accorded to her husband. She also requested assistance to support their six children, noting that her current salary as a community development officer in Napak District is insufficient.
Captain Mike Mukula commended Aleper for making a significant impact despite his short life, emphasizing that his journey from orphanhood to success is a lesson in resilience. Aleper’s children remembered him as loving, gentle, kind, and unassuming. His only son, Trevor Lokawa Aleper, highlighted his father’s instillation of curiosity and appreciation for life’s finer things, vowing to carry on his legacy.
Dr. Paul Alan, a pathologist from Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, reported that Aleper died from multiple injuries and internal bleeding, including skull and rib fractures, and a ruptured liver following the car crash.