Uganda this evening bade a final farewell to former Third Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani West Member of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Gen. Moses Ali, who was accorded a full state burial complete with a 21-gun salute in his ancestral home in Adjumani District.
Thousands of mourners, including senior government officials, Members of Parliament, military officers, cultural leaders, religious figures and residents from across West Nile, gathered to pay their last respects to one of Uganda’s longest-serving politicians and military leaders.
The solemn ceremony was led by Vice President Jessica Alupo, who represented President Yoweri Museveni, while the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) accorded the late general full military honours before his casket was lowered into the ground.
The thunderous 21-gun salute echoed across Adjumani as soldiers stood in formation, marking the final farewell to a man many described as a patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Uganda.
Nation bids farewell
Delivering President Museveni’s message, Vice President Jessica Alupo described Gen. Moses Ali as one of Uganda’s greatest sons whose contribution to peace, national unity and state building would remain unmatched.
She said the country had lost a leader who served Uganda with distinction for decades in both military and civilian leadership.
Alupo noted that despite political differences that existed during different periods of Uganda’s history, Gen. Moses Ali eventually dedicated himself to reconciliation, national development and unity.She urged Ugandans to emulate his commitment to serving the country above personal interests.
Tayebwa pays glowing tribute
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa delivered an emotional tribute, describing Gen. Moses Ali as both a mentor and father figure during his early years in government.
“I joined government as Government Chief Whip in 2021 and had the privilege of serving under his guidance. Our offices were opposite each other, and I learnt invaluable lessons from his wisdom, discipline, humility and unwavering commitment to public service,” Tayebwa said.He revealed that the veteran politician constantly reminded him to remain humble regardless of the office he occupied.
“His constant advice to me was always: ‘Be humble.’ Those words will remain with me throughout my leadership journey.”Tayebwa said he conveyed Parliament’s condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of Speaker and legislators.
He also thanked President Museveni for personally standing with the family and the people of West Nile during the mourning period.The Deputy Speaker praised the late statesman for promoting national unity and championing the interests of Uganda’s Nubi community.
“As many people testified following his passing, Gen. Moses Ali dedicated his life to promoting national unity, championing the inclusion of the Nubi community and serving Uganda with distinction for decades. His legacy of patriotism, courage, humility and selfless service should continue inspiring current and future generations.”
He concluded by praying that Allah forgives the departed leader and grants him Jannat al-Firdaus.
Balaam hails selfless patriot
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara described Gen. Moses Ali as one of Uganda’s most experienced leaders whose contribution to national development transcended politics.
Barugahara said Moses Ali remained a symbol of resilience and patriotism throughout his long public career.”He served this country faithfully for decades and remained committed to the people until his final days. Uganda has lost a great patriot whose wisdom will be greatly missed,” Balaam said.
The minister urged young leaders to learn from Moses Ali’s discipline, humility and dedication to public service.
Mao remembers peacemaker
Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Norbert Mao said Gen. Moses Ali played a critical role in promoting reconciliation and national healing following years of political instability.
Mao described him as a bridge builder who earned respect from political opponents because of his willingness to work for peace.”He belonged to a generation of leaders who understood that Uganda is bigger than individual ambitions. He always believed dialogue was better than conflict,” Mao said.The Democratic Party president noted that Gen. Moses Ali’s legacy should encourage leaders to put national interest ahead of partisan politics.
Babalanda praises loyalty
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda said the deceased remained one of President Museveni’s most loyal and dependable comrades.
She described him as a humble servant who never sought personal glory despite occupying some of the country’s highest offices.”His humility distinguished him from many leaders. Even after decades in public service, he remained approachable and always ready to advise younger leaders,” Babalanda said.
She urged public servants to emulate his discipline and commitment to duty.
Military honours
The UPDF mounted an elaborate military ceremony befitting the rank of the fallen general.His casket, draped in the national flag, was carried by an armed military escort before soldiers fired the ceremonial 21-gun salute.
Military buglers sounded the Last Post as mourners struggled to hold back tears while the casket was lowered into the grave.Senior military commanders saluted the fallen officer before offering condolences to the family.
A remarkable public career
Gen. Moses Ali’s public life spanned more than five decades.
Throughout his career, he served Uganda in several senior positions, including Deputy Prime Minister, Third Deputy Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Adjumani West.He became one of the country’s longest-serving cabinet ministers and remained an influential voice on national unity, security and development.
His political journey mirrored Uganda’s turbulent history, yet he eventually became one of the strongest advocates for reconciliation and national cohesion.Residents of Adjumani credited him for spearheading development projects in the district and ensuring that West Nile remained firmly integrated into national development programmes.
Final farewell
As Islamic prayers concluded and family members cast the final handfuls of soil onto his grave, emotion overwhelmed mourners who had travelled from across Uganda to honour the veteran leader.
Many described Gen. Moses Ali as a fearless patriot, disciplined soldier and humble statesman whose life demonstrated commitment to national service.His burial marked the end of an era for one of Uganda’s most recognizable political figures, but speakers agreed that his legacy would continue to inspire generations of leaders.
With the final military salute complete and mourners dispersing from Adjumani, Uganda closed the chapter on the life of a man remembered as a soldier, statesman, mentor and unifier whose service to the nation spanned decades of transformation.
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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