Who is Peter Lokeris? Flash Uganda Media looks at his biography, age, wife, family, tribe, relationship with Hellen Lomongin Lokeris, Makerere University, National Resistance Movement (NRM), early life and education of the current Cabinet Minister of State for Minerals in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development in Uganda.
Peter Lokeris is a politician and accountant from Uganda.
He is the current Ugandan Cabinet’s Minister of State for Minerals in the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development.
He was given this assignment on February 16, 2009, under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag.
Early Life and Education
Peter Aimat Lokeris was born on February 2, 1947, in Pian county, Nakapiripirit District to Teko Apo-oroma Namoni-Angitiang (father) and Aisu Elizabeth (mother). He was married to Mrs Hellen Lomongin Lokeris who died in December 2021.
Lokeris graduated from Makerere University with a degree in Bachelor of Commerce. Additionally, he has a diploma in finance from Kampala’s Uganda Management Institute.
From Makerere University, he also earned a Master of Science in Marketing and a second Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies.
Career and Professional Work Experience
Peter Lokeris began his employment life as a cashier. He also served the Moroto District as an internal auditor. He then served as Kotido District’s chief accountant.
After that, he worked as the Moroto District’s administrative secretary for four years. In the districts of Moroto, Kasese, and Jinja, Lokeris also held the position of Special district administrator.
Later, he worked for four years as a special presidential counsellor on Karamoja and its neighbouring regions’ peace and development.
He joined politics in 1996, running for the Chekwii County seat in the Nakapiripirit District and winning. He has continually served as their representative. He was named Minister of State for Karamoja in the same year. On January 13, 2005, there was a cabinet move, and he remained in that post.
Lokeris won re-election to his parliamentary seat in 2006. He was appointed Minister of State for Primary Education on June 1, 2006.
On February 16, 2009, Peter Lokeris was appointed Minister of State for Minerals in yet another cabinet shift.
On February 18, 2011, Lokeris was re-elected to serve as a representative for Chekwi county. He kept his position as State Minister for Minerals in the cabinet following the 27 May 2011 reorganization.
Achievements and Awards
During the 2013 Heroes Day ceremonies, Peter Lokeris was one of the individuals who received a medal in honour of their commitment to the liberation struggle and the growth of the nation.
In order to lessen the hazardous impacts of solid biomass (charcoal and wood) and conventionally wasteful technologies that are linked to indoor air pollution, Mr Peter Lokeris has advocated for urgent intervention.
The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and Netherlands Development Organizations (SNV) Uganda together launched the initiative. The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs is funding and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) is managing the four-year project, which will last until 2025.
On October 5, 2021, he opened the Busia gold mine in the Busia area of eastern Uganda. The mine’s estimated gold reserves are equal to 16 billion dollars, matching Uganda’s Lake Albert Basin oil finds.
Controversies
According to Peter Lokeris, his ministry has already purchased two weighbridges, which will be placed in specific locations in Karamoja.
Emmanuel Lokii, a counsellor for the Rupa sub-county, stated that the residents of Karamoja are sick of hearing rumours about the construction of mineral factories, which could have provided employment opportunities for the community.
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