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Parliament honours Moses Ali
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KAMPALA
Parliament on Thursday held a special sitting to honour the late Gen. Moses Ali, remembering him as one of Uganda's longest-serving public servants whose career spanned the military, Cabinet and Parliament for more than five decades.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja moved a motion seeking Parliament's tribute to the former Second Deputy Prime Minister, presenting a record of his extensive service in government, the military and the legislature.
Nabbanja described Gen. Moses Ali as a courageous soldier and principled leader whose commitment to accountability, selflessness and public service left a lasting mark on Uganda's development.
She said his contributions across successive governments reflected his dedication to national unity and service.
The motion received support from leaders across the political divide, with the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, paying tribute to Gen. Moses Ali while also urging government to strengthen respect for the rule of law.
Ssenyonyi condemned abductions and unlawful detention, calling on security agencies to ensure suspects are produced before court within the constitutionally required timeframe.
Despite political differences, he said Gen. Moses Ali deserved recognition for his contribution to the country.
"I still gave him his flowers for the service that he rendered this nation over the years," Ssenyonyi said.
He also reminded leaders that public office is temporary and urged them to build strong institutions that outlive individuals.
The Opposition extended condolences to Gen. Moses Ali's family, the people of Adjumani, the Muslim community, the Nubian community and all Ugandans mourning his passing.
LOP Joel Ssenyonyi
Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo described the late general as a humble leader whose humour, simplicity and discipline inspired many people.
She recalled that Gen. Moses Ali was known for arriving at Cabinet meetings well before the scheduled time, describing him as a model of punctuality and commitment.
Vice President Jessica Rose Epel Alupo
Representing the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), Lieutenant General James Mugira seconded the tribute motion, referring to the UPDF as Gen. Moses Ali's "other family."
He honoured the late four-star general for dedicating his life to serving Uganda and extended condolences on behalf of the armed forces.
Lieutenant General James Mugira
First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga also paid tribute during the special sitting.
Third Deputy Prime Minister and Minister without Portfolio Lukia Isanga Nakadama remembered Gen. Moses Ali's passion for education, saying he continued pursuing academic studies later in life and demonstrated that learning has no age limit.
Minister of State for Cooperatives Tom Aza Alero credited the late leader with spearheading the return of thousands of West Nile residents who had fled into exile during periods of conflict, describing him as a pillar of the region's development.
Several Members of Parliament from West Nile also praised his contribution to infrastructure development, peacebuilding and national reconciliation.
Padyere County MP Isaac Ismail Otimigiw said Gen. Moses Ali played a significant role in ensuring West Nile benefited from government investments in roads, electricity and other public infrastructure.
Isaac Ismail Otimigiw
Katikamu County South MP Hassan Kirumira Lukalidde described him as an influential leader within Uganda's Nubian community, while Arua District Woman MP Lillian Obiale Paparu praised his long public career, noting that he was never associated with corruption scandals.
Obongi District Woman MP Harriet Joyo and Upper Madi County MP Martin Andi Drito urged Ugandans to celebrate his distinguished service and commitment to national development.
Other legislators, including Kumi Municipality MP Silas Aogon and Soroti District Woman MP Anna Ebaju Adeke, said Gen. Moses Ali's legacy should inspire leaders to exercise public power responsibly and uphold human rights.
Former Members of Parliament also attended the sitting from the VIP gallery as legislators reflected on the life and legacy of the man widely referred to as the "Lion of Adjumani."
The tribute motion is expected to be adopted by Parliament as part of the official record honouring Gen. Moses Ali's contribution to Uganda's political, military and public service history.
