Hundreds of mourners gathered in Kaabong District for the burial of former Moroto Municipality mayor Alex Lemu Longoria, who was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Sidok-Kopoth Village amid emotional tributes from leaders, family members and residents.
Lemu, who served as mayor of Moroto Municipality from 2011 to 2016, died after a long illness. Family members said he had been in and out of hospital following stroke-related complications.
During the burial ceremony, mourners described him as a generous and hardworking leader who dedicated much of his life to public service and community development.
Peter Lokwang, who read the medical report during the ceremony, praised the late Lemu for his contribution to the growth of Moroto Regional Referral Hospital.
“Lemu fought to make Moroto Regional Referral Hospital what it is today. He was a leader who planned ahead irrespective of whether he won another election or not,” Dr Lokwang said.
Timothy Koryang thanked leaders and mourners for standing with the family during the difficult period.
“The loss is painful, but the huge turnout is proof that Lemu was truly loved by the people,” Koryang said.
He also explained that several Members of Parliament were unable to attend because the burial coincided with the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected legislators.
Meanwhile, Charles Onyang Omuudu thanked mourners for the unity and solidarity shown to the bereaved family.
“We thank everyone who came to condole with the family and demonstrate the spirit of togetherness during this difficult time,” Omuudu said.
Several dignitaries from Uganda and neighbouring Kenya attended the burial, including David Pulkol, outgoing and incoming mayors of Moroto, the Moroto District chairperson-elect, the outgoing Speaker of Moroto, the Deputy RDC of Moroto, the Kaabong RDC and a delegation from Kenya.
Alex Lemu Longoria was succeeded by Noah Ewaru after serving one term as Moroto Municipality mayor between 2011 and 2016.
