Simon Aleper: NRM mourns party's Karamoja leader

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) joined the people of Karamoja in paying tributes and mourning its vice chairperson Simon Peter Aleper.

Karamoja sub0region NRM vice chair and former Member of Parliament for Moroto Municipality, Aleper, passed away in a motor accident on the Iganga-Tirinyi Highway on Tuesday morning.

The late Aleper was reportedly travelling to Kampala for the NRM central executive committee meeting when the vehicle he was driving hit another and overturned, killing him on the spot.

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among expressed "heartfelt condolences" to President Museveni - who is the NRM chairman -  and the family of the late Aleper.

NRM General Secretary Richard Todwong wrote, "We are saddened by the loss of Hon Simon Peter Aleper. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, and the President, the National NRM Chairman."

Mr Juma Loduk, Aleper's brother, shared his grief between sobs, recounting that he had been with the late Aleper before his ill-fated journey.

"He was with us before he traveled out of Moroto," Loduk said.

Members of Parliament from the Karamoja have expressed their sorrow, remembering Aleper as a good colleague and a friend. U

pe County MP Micah Lolem Akasile, who attended Moroto High School with the deceased, reflected on their long-standing friendship.

"I have lost a very good friend," Lolem said.

The NRM Central Executive Committee also released an obituary, sending deepest condolences to the fraternity and the people of Karamoja.

Aleper leaves behind a wife and six children, and was the owner of several properties in Moroto town, including the building rented by Wazalendo SACCO.

The body of Aleper is currently in transit to Mulago Hospital, where a postmortem will be conducted.

He will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Kangole Town Council, Napak District.

Aleper was a prominent figure in Karamoja politics, having served as the member of Parliament for Moroto Municipality from 2011-2016.

He joined the race in 2021 but trailed in third place eventual winner to Francis Adome Lorika and Fred Angella.

His death leaves a significant void in Karamoja region and NRM Party

As the news continues to spread, plans for a memorial service and funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family and political associates