Written By | BK Mugizi
Gen. Moses Ali died at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala on Saturday at the age of 87.
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KAMPALA
Uganda has lost one of its most influential post-independence political and military figures following the death of Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, the Adjumani West County Member of Parliament and former Second Deputy Prime Minister.
Gen. Moses Ali died at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala on Saturday at the age of 87.
President Yoweri Museveni announced that the veteran statesman died at about 4:00 p.m., describing him as a patriot who dedicated much of his life to serving Uganda as both a soldier and political leader.
"It is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of our brother Gen. Moses Ali. He died today at Nakasero Hospital at 1600 hours. Gen. Moses Ali has provided service to his country for a long time, as a soldier and a political leader," Museveni said on his X account, formerly Twitter.
The President also praised the late Ali for championing modern commercial farming in the West Nile sub-region.
"In the West Nile region, he provided the good example of being a big modern farmer. We shall greatly miss his contribution. May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace," Museveni added.
Gen. Ali had been battling a long illness and was admitted to Nakasero Hospital on Friday in critical condition before being pronounced dead on Saturday afternoon.
Leaders Pay Tribute
Tributes poured in from government leaders and politicians across the country, led by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who described Gen. Ali as a father figure, mentor, and statesman whose wisdom shaped many leaders.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rt. Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali. Uganda has lost a true giant whose legacy of selfless service, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the nation will endure for generations," Tayebwa said.
Tayebwa recalled working closely with Gen. Ali while serving as Government Chief Whip under the Office of the Prime Minister, where the deceased served as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business.
"Personally, I mourn a father figure and mentor who took me in as a son. His guidance and wisdom helped me settle into my role. Our offices were opposite each other, and his door was always open for consultation and advice," he added.
Former NRM Vice Chairperson for the Eastern Region, Capt. Mike Mukula, described the late Gen. Ali as a courageous freedom fighter and a cherished friend whose commitment to Uganda remained unwavering throughout his life.
Mukula recalled that when Gen. Ali collapsed in Adjumani in 2001, he worked with President Museveni to ensure he was airlifted to Mulago Hospital for emergency neurosurgery that saved his life.
He said they later served together in Cabinet and on the NRM Central Executive Committee, and he had the privilege of speaking at the launch of Gen. Ali's book, The Nubian Dynasty.
"Uganda has lost a courageous son, but I have lost a cherished friend. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un," Mukula said.
A Lifetime of Public Service
Born on April 5, 1939, Gen. Moses Ali was one of Uganda's longest-serving public servants, with a career spanning more than five decades in both the military and politics.
He served in several senior government positions under different administrations before becoming Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business from 2021 until he left Cabinet in May 2026.
He remained the Member of Parliament for Adjumani West County in the 12th Parliament.
Throughout his public life, Gen. Ali was regarded as one of Uganda's most experienced leaders and a strong advocate for the development of the West Nile region. He also promoted modern commercial farming, encouraging communities to embrace agriculture as a means of improving household incomes.
The Government is expected to announce the official funeral programme and burial arrangements in consultation with his family.
