Politics 27 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Karamoja Residents Share Mixed Feelings as Lokeris Exits Cabinet
Peter Lokeris has been dropped as the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, a position he held alongside other significant roles since 1996. The decision by President Museveni has sparked varied responses across the Karamoja sub-region, with many acknowledging his contributions to peace and development. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/karamoja-reacts-as-lokeris-is-dropped-from-cabinet-5475630
The Karamoja sub-region is abuzz with varied emotions following the departure of Peter Arimat Lokeris from his ministerial post. Lokeris, who also recently lost his parliamentary seat for Chekwii East, had been a fixture in Karamoja’s leadership landscape for nearly three decades, starting his political journey in 1996.
Throughout his extensive career, Lokeris served in numerous capacities, including roles in local government, as a cashier, chief accountant, and administrative secretary. He was particularly recognized for his efforts in brokering peace and actively participating in the disarmament process that aimed to bring stability to the region.
His long tenure in government, culminating in his role as Minister for Karamoja Affairs, came to an end with President Yoweri Museveni’s recent cabinet reshuffle. The news has been met with a spectrum of reactions from the community and Lokeris himself.
In a statement released through his personal assistant, Lokeris expressed his acceptance of the president’s decision with humility and faith, emphasizing his loyalty to the ruling NRM party for over 30 years. He reportedly remains in good spirits following the changes.
Residents like Ms. Stella Rose Nakwang from Napak District lauded Lokeris’s pivotal role in the disarmament program, crediting him with rallying the community to surrender illegal firearms. She believes his efforts were instrumental in fostering peace and laying the groundwork for the development now visible in Karamoja, pointing to emerging factories and infrastructure projects.
Others, such as Mr. Paul Abura, a metal fabricator in Moroto Town, interpret the move as a strategic decision by the President to usher in a new generation of young leaders for Karamoja, suggesting Lokeris’s retirement from the cabinet is part of this generational shift.
Prior to his ministerial role for Karamoja Affairs, Lokeris also served as the Minister of State for Minerals. The shifting political landscape brings an end to a significant chapter for Lokeris and prompts reflection on his legacy within the Karamoja region.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)