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President Yoweri Museveni has eulogised Dr Martin Jerome Okec Aliker, describing the deceased as a person who was dedicated to the service of his country and served with diligence and humility all his life.

Museveni also said Aliker was very patriotic and supported the Government in all its efforts. “He always put his country first, ahead of his personal interests”.

Vice President Jessica Alupo read Museveni’s condolence message to the mourners on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Aliker’s resting place at Aworanga in Gulu City.

“I received the news about the death of Aliker with shock and sadness. Camille Aliker and the entire family, I join you and all the mourners to bid farewell to a distinguished statesman, who committed his career to the service of his nation,” Museveni eulogised.   

Aliker, also a golfer and former trustee and life member of the Uganda Golf Club died on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Nakasero Hospital.

The President said Aliker was a dedicated and committed serviceman. He revealed that Aliker served in various capacities as a doctor, diplomat, elder statesman, and businessman who was present in so many crucial moments.

Museveni said in 1996, he appointed Aliker as the Minister of Foreign Affairs. “There was no better person at the time that could help us recover the image of Uganda which had faced challenges over time”.

The President said the country has lost a mentor, advisor, and intellectual who provided guidance and advice whenever he was called upon to do so.

Museveni also described Aliker as a person who was hardworking and committed to the delivery of his responsibilities when he served in Government.

“Aliker did his part and the younger generation should take on the mantle,” he advised.
Museveni said the country has lost a gallant son who will always be remembered for his meritorious and patriotic service to his motherland.

Long-time wish

Aliker made it a long-life wish that when he passes on, they should donate money to the needy children in Acholi rather than laying wreaths and other floral gifts on his casket.

Aliker, 96, a dental surgeon, and businessman, even gave the bank account and mobile money number where the money should be deposited in support of education for needy children in Acholi.

“Wreaths are discouraged. In the place of the wreaths and other floral gifts, mourners are requested instead to consider making a contribution to: Rocco Paco- Dero Kwan Education Initiative, Bank of Africa – Gulu Branch Account No. 07659660002 or via mobile money 0772725196 in support of education for needy children in Acholi,” reads part of Aliker’s funeral program.

Who is Aliker

Dr Aliker was born in Gulu district on October 21, 1928, to Rwot Lacito Okech and Julaina Auma, a daughter of Musa Ali, the first ordained Anglican priest in the Acholi region.

He attended Gulu High School for his primary education, before transferring to Kings College Budo for his O-Level studies.

In 1948, he was admitted to Makerere University, the oldest public university in East Africa. Before he could complete his studies at Makerere, he won a scholarship to Northwestern University, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, where he studied political science, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Following that, he was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study Dental Surgery, also at Northwestern, graduating with a Doctor of Dental Surgery.

Later, he was awarded the title of Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons by the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

Dr Aliker was a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of International Cooperation and Senior Presidential Advisor, Special Duties to the President of Uganda, and sat on the board of directors of nearly 40 Ugandan companies.

He was the Chancellor of Victoria University Uganda, a private Institution. From 2004 until 2014, he served as the founding Chancellor of Gulu University, a public university.