[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 165 (Monday, October 29, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO MARGARET ALEROTEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CORRINE BROWN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 29, 2007

  Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
the life of Margaret Alerotek a dedicated advocate for peace in 
Northern Uganda. Margaret passed away on Tuesday, July 31, 2007, and is 
survived by her adoptive mother, Abitmo Rebecca Odongkara, and 
siblings.
  Margaret participated in many meetings on Capitol Hill during her 
time in the United States. She was greatly impressed by the opportunity 
to address a group of young African Americans who are helping to shape 
U.S. policy. During her May 8, 2007, visit, Ms. Alerotek met with 
Congressional Black Associates, a Congressional staff association and 
provided insight regarding international efforts to alleviate poverty 
and to end the involvement of children in conflict throughout Africa. 
Sadly, Margaret passed away shortly after her return to Uganda on 
Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at the age of 27.
  Margaret was born in 1980 in the Gulu District of Northern Uganda and 
was later adopted at the age of 3 when her parents were murdered by 
Lord's Resistance Army rebels. Margaret graduated from the Uganda 
Christian University with honors and served for almost 3 years as 
communications officer for World Vision, a Christian humanitarian 
organization.
  In December 2006 when the Lord's Resistance Army walked out of the 
Juba Peace talks, 26-year-old Margaret reached out to the LRA 
leadership and the Ugandan Government chief negotiator to break the 
silence. The parties recommitted themselves to the peace talks.
  One month before her death, at the conclusion of her briefing, with 
the Congressional Black Associates, Margaret was asked, ``Why do you 
continue to advocate for peace in Northern Uganda at great risk to 
yourself?'' She replied, ``Because they are my people.''
  The impact of Margaret's life is immeasurable--not only because of 
her work, but more importantly, because of the power of her example. 
Margaret chose not to be consumed by the misfortune of being an orphan 
in a country consumed by war. She instead chose to stand on its 
shoulders and become a powerful advocate for peace, hope and 
reconciliation.
  Margaret was a remarkable young woman. Her leadership, sacrifice and 
courage serves as an example to people everywhere. For this reason, I 
rise today to honor the life and service of Ms. Margaret Alerotek.

                          ____________________