Uganda has begun a solemn national farewell for one of its most enduring political and military figures, Gen Moses Ali, following President Yoweri Museveni’s declaration of an official state send-off for the former Third Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani West County Member of Parliament.
Gen Ali died on Saturday at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala at the age of 87 after decades of distinguished public service that spanned successive governments, military command and Parliament. His passing closes a remarkable chapter in Uganda’s political history, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the country’s security, governance and the development of West Nile.
In a statement posted on his official X account, President Museveni paid glowing tribute to the veteran leader, describing him as a patriotic Ugandan whose contribution to national stability and reconciliation would remain etched in the country’s history.
“Gen Moses Ali dedicated his life to serving Uganda. He was a patriot who worked tirelessly for peace, unity and development. On behalf of the Government and my family, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Adjumani and all Ugandans. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” President Museveni said.
Thousands Turn Out for Final Prayers
On Sunday, thousands of mourners lined the streets of Kampala as Gen Ali’s remains were taken to Naguru Mosque, Kibuli Mosque and Old Kampala Mosque for Janazah prayers.
The sombre ceremonies drew political leaders, religious figures, military officers, diplomats and ordinary Ugandans, many of whom described Gen Ali as a leader who transcended political differences.
At Kibuli Mosque, the Chief Mourner, Prince Kassim Nakibinge Kakungulu, remembered Gen Ali as an exemplary statesman and a committed Muslim.
“The Muslim community has lost one of its finest sons. Moses Ali loved his country with all his strength and remained steadfast in his faith throughout his life. He served Uganda with distinction while remaining humble before Allah,” Prince Nakibinge said.
Friends and relatives described him as a deeply spiritual man who rarely missed prayers despite the demands of public office.
Parliament to Hold Special Sitting
The body will today be taken to Parliament for a special sitting in honour of the veteran legislator, who held the distinction of being Uganda’s longest-serving Member of Parliament.
Lawmakers are expected to pay tribute to a man who represented Adjumani West County for decades and became one of the most recognisable figures in Uganda’s legislature.
Following the parliamentary tribute, the body will be flown to West Nile before burial on Wednesday at his ancestral home in Abirichaku Village in Adjumani District.The state burial is expected to attract thousands of mourners from across Uganda and neighbouring countries.
A Career That Defined Generations
Born in Adjumani in 1939, Moses Ali joined public service during Uganda’s early post-independence years and rose through the ranks to become one of the country’s most influential military and political leaders.
His career mirrored Uganda’s turbulent political history.
He served under former President Idi Amin before later becoming one of the leading figures in the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), a West Nile-based rebel movement.
Following peace negotiations, Moses Ali embraced reconciliation and became one of the key architects of integrating former combatants into national institutions.
President Museveni appointed him to several senior government positions, including First Deputy Prime Minister, Third Deputy Prime Minister and numerous ministerial portfolios ranging from Internal Affairs to Disaster Preparedness.
Despite changing political tides, Gen Ali remained a trusted elder statesman whose counsel was sought on matters of security, governance and national unity.
Champion of West Nile
To the people of West Nile, Moses Ali was more than a politician.He became a symbol of reconciliation after years of conflict that had devastated the region.
His influence helped attract roads, schools, health centres and electricity projects to Adjumani and neighbouring districts.Residents credit him with championing refugee response programmes as Uganda became home to hundreds of thousands fleeing conflict in South Sudan.
Many community leaders say his greatest achievement lay in restoring hope to a region once isolated by conflict.
Tributes Pour In
Condolence messages continued pouring in from across the political divide.First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga described Gen Ali as a patriot whose wisdom guided several generations of leaders.
“Uganda has lost a disciplined patriot, a humble leader and an elder whose commitment to public service never wavered. His contributions to Parliament and national development will remain unforgettable,” Kadaga said.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja praised Gen Ali’s unwavering dedication to national service.
“Gen Moses Ali devoted his entire life to serving Uganda. His leadership, humility and commitment to peace made him an exceptional public servant. We stand with his family during this difficult time.”Defence minister Kiryowa Kiwanuka described the fallen leader as “a bridge builder who consistently placed national interest above personal ambition.”
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth Oboth said Uganda had lost “one of the last remaining pillars of the country’s liberation and peace-building journey.”Water and Environment Minister Gen Kahinda Otafiire remembered him as “a soldier who understood that true victory comes through reconciliation.”
Justice Minister Norbert Mao hailed him as “a nationalist whose life demonstrated that political differences should never stand in the way of serving one’s country.”
Ssemakadde Hails Veteran Leader
Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde also joined the nation in mourning.Ssemakadde described Gen Ali as one of Uganda’s consequential historical figures whose life intersected with nearly every major political transition since independence.
While acknowledging differing historical perspectives surrounding Uganda’s past, Ssemakadde said Gen Ali’s passing offered the country an opportunity to reflect on its complex journey towards peace, constitutionalism and national reconciliation.
He extended condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Adjumani.
Legacy Beyond Politics
Throughout his long career, Gen Ali earned respect for his calm demeanour and ability to work across political divides.Even critics acknowledged his unmatched institutional memory and willingness to mentor younger leaders entering public service.
His lengthy parliamentary service made him one of the few remaining politicians whose career stretched across multiple political eras.Away from politics, family members describe him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who treasured family gatherings and remained deeply attached to his roots in Adjumani.
His Islamic faith remained central to his life, with relatives recalling that he often encouraged younger family members to uphold integrity, humility and service to humanity.
End of an Era
As Uganda prepares to lay Gen Moses Ali to rest on Wednesday, many observers believe his death marks the end of an extraordinary generation of leaders who witnessed the country’s transition from colonial rule through political upheaval and eventually to relative stability.
For nearly six decades, Gen Ali remained at the centre of Uganda’s political and security landscape—first as a soldier, later as a negotiator, Cabinet minister, deputy prime minister and parliamentarian.His life reflected the complexities of Uganda’s history, while his later years became synonymous with reconciliation, national unity and public service.
When mourners gather in Abirichaku Village for his final farewell, they will not simply be burying a veteran politician. They will be laying to rest one of Uganda’s last surviving elder statesmen—a man whose story became inseparable from the story of modern Uganda itself.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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