Museveni hails Aleper as martyr for Karamoja's development

President Museveni has described the late Simon Peter Aleper as a martyr who died while fighting for the development of the Karamoja region.

Aleper, who served as the NRM Vice Chairman for Karamoja, died in an accident along the Mbale-Iganga highway.

Museveni said that Aleper had to travel late at night due to his many responsibilities aimed at serving his community.

"He tirelessly advocated for the unity and sensitization of his people to welcome investors who are now employing many youth in factories," Museveni said.

The president explained that when Indian investors wanted to set up a cement factory, local leaders were initially unwilling to sell land to them.

However, with Aleper's involvement, they were able to engage the locals and sensitize them about the benefits the factory would bring. As a result, the locals donated 500 acres of land for the cement factory.

Museveni stated that the investments in Karamoja have tremendously lifted the region from poverty, and there is steady progress, just like in other regions.

"Today, we see that the last (Karamoja) has become first with industrial hubs," the NRM Chairman said.

Museveni urged the mourners to trust in God, "Because this is the only way to survive in the world."

Al hajji Moses Kigongo, the First Vice National Chairman, described the former Moroto Municipality MP as a leader who was bold and courageous in speaking the truth to power.

The NRM Secretary General, Richard Todwong, said that Aleper's passing is a blow to the party, as he was a colleague since their days as student leaders at Makerere University.

Todwong also mentioned that Aleper had supported and spearheaded the request to endorse President Museveni as the NRM flag bearer in the 2026 presidential elections.