President Museveni has paid tribute to fallen Dr. Martine Aliker with whom he held several meetings downstairs in one of the hotels in Nairobi during the liberation struggle.
It is here according to Gen. Museveni that he started working with Dr. Aliker who was running a dental clinic in Nairobi in 1977.
Museveni says while in that Nairobi hotel, he briefed the late Aliker fully about the revolutionary struggle which the medic fully supported.
“I always met him in Nairobi at a hotel downstairs where the late was working . Though I was in my early 30’s and the late was relatively Older, the late would always listen to me and offer his considered guidance” Gen. Museveni recounted in a message to the family of the late Aliker delivered by Vice President Maj. Jessica Alupo who represented him in Gulu City.
The Head of State added that Dr. Aliker attended the Moshi conference alongside others.
“In 1980 I led a delegation to Zimbabwe on the swearing in of President Robert Mugabe when Zimbabwe attained its independence. Much as Dr. Martin Aliker was older than me, he respected me as leader of the delegation” Museveni revealed, adding that after the bush war, he appointed him minister of state for foreign affairs.
“In 1996, I appointed Dr. Aliker as the Minister of Foreign Affairs.There was no better person at that time that could help us recover the image of Uganda which had faced challenges over a long time.
The country has therefore, lost a mentor, advisor and intellectual who provided guidance and advice whenever he was called upon to do so” the president said.
Museveni added that Dr.Aliker was very hardworking and committed to the delivery of his responsibilities when he served in Government.
He said all his life, Dr. Aliker was dedicated to the service of his Country and he served with diligence and humility.
The president said Aliker was very patriotic and he supported the Government in all our efforts.
“He always put his Country first, ahead of his personal interests.
Dr. Aliker was a dedicated and committed service man.
He served the country in various capacities as a Doctor, Diplomat, an Elder statesman and a business man who was present in so many crucial moments” Museveni said.
ELECTION CASH
The president who is also NRM chairman said Aliker was also pivotal in raising funds for his campaigns.
In 2001 elections for example , Museveni said Dr. Martin Aliker brought to him support of USD100000 which he did even in 2006 elections.
“Aliker did his part and the younger generation should take on the mantle. The country has, therefore, lost a gallant son who will always be remembered for his meritorious and patriotic service to his motherland” he said as he joined the family and the nation to bid farewell to a distinguished statesman who committed his
career to the service of his nation.
