By Joseph Kiggundu
KAMPALA — President Yoweri Museveni on Tuesday joined Members of Parliament, government officials and mourners in paying tribute to the late Gen. Moses Ali during a special parliamentary sitting held in his honour.
The President laid a wreath on the casket before reflecting on his decades-long association with the veteran leader, describing him as a patriot, freedom fighter and dedicated public servant whose contribution to Uganda’s peace and development will be remembered for generations.
The late general’s body was brought to Parliament earlier in the day, where it was received by Speaker Jacob Oulanyah’s successor and Members of Parliament ahead of the special session. Legislators from across the political divide paid glowing tributes, highlighting Ali’s distinguished service in government, Parliament and the military.
Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng had earlier informed Parliament that President Museveni would attend the sitting and requested legislators to arrive early to allow for security arrangements. She also confirmed that after the parliamentary tribute, the body would be transported by air to Adjumani District, where burial is scheduled for Wednesday.
Gen. Ali, who previously served as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business before leaving Cabinet after the 2026 General Election, passed away on Saturday at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala at the age of 87 following a prolonged illness.
His death marks the end of a remarkable public career that spanned more than five decades. Throughout that period, he served Uganda in several capacities, including as a soldier, lawyer, Cabinet minister, legislator, peace negotiator and senior government official, remaining a prominent figure through different political transitions.
Ali first rose to national prominence during the 1970s under President Idi Amin’s administration, where he held ministerial responsibilities, including overseeing the country’s finances. Following years of political instability, he later led the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), a rebel movement largely drawn from the West Nile region.
In 1986, shortly after President Museveni came to power, Ali signed a peace agreement with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, paving the way for the integration of his forces into the national army and his return to mainstream politics.
He was elected Member of Parliament for Adjumani West in 1996 and went on to serve in several Cabinet positions, including Internal Affairs, Tourism, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, before eventually becoming Second Deputy Prime Minister. He also served as president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations during the mid-1990s.
Beyond politics and military service, Gen. Ali was widely respected for his commitment to education and agriculture. Residents of Adjumani remember him as a generous community leader who supported vulnerable families by helping children access education and promoting farming as a source of livelihoods.
Following the parliamentary tribute, the House was expected to adjourn to allow legislators, family members and members of the public to participate in the final farewell before the late statesman’s body is taken to Adjumani for burial.
Gen. Moses Ali leaves behind a legacy of public service, reconciliation and leadership that has shaped Uganda’s political history for more than half a century.