Summary:
- The leaders also requested the President to build a Technical Institute in memory of the late Aleper, who tirelessly worked to uplift the people he led.
MOROTO: Karamoja leaders have requested President Yoweri Museveni to elevate their area to regional status to foster the development and transformation of their communities.
The leaders made this plea to the Head of State today, Saturday, during an extraordinary joint council meeting at Moroto Boma grounds. This meeting was held in honor of Hon. Aleper Simon Peter, the Karamoja Representative on the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) until his death.
Presided over by Moroto district Speaker Akol Ceaser, the council passed a motion urging the government to elevate Karamoja to regional status, emphasizing that the area has unique historical challenges requiring special attention.
“This is the best way the government can honor Hon. Aleper, who consistently advocated for this elevation due to the area’s high poverty levels, low education levels, poor infrastructure, and other needs,” council members stated, speaking to thousands of mourners, friends, and family of the deceased.
The second resolution called for the government to restore the Karamoja Development Agency (KDA), a fund previously set aside to empower the local people by sponsoring children’s education and providing donations for production activities, among other initiatives.
“Aleper spearheaded the restoration and operationalization of these funds for the benefit of his community. This is how Karamoja will develop at the same pace as the rest of Uganda,” the council declared.
The leaders also requested the President to build a Technical Institute in memory of the late Aleper, who tirelessly worked to uplift the people he led.
“Our young people need skills to work in the emerging factories in our area,” the leaders said.
“Karamoja is a place of extremes; it has extreme poverty yet is endowed with extreme resources. Our plea is to work with the government to ensure investment and proper use of these resources for the good of our people,” said Norman Achero, the Labwor MP.
The leaders praised the late Aleper for his passion for the transformation of his area.
“We must emulate his spirit of fighting for justice and equality for all, regardless of class.”
The former Moroto Municipality legislator will be buried on Tuesday at his ancestral home in Napak district.
The joint regional council was attended by Members of the NRM CEC, Area MPs, RDCs, and district Chairmen, among others.
