President Yoweri Museveni has led the government in paying tribute to the late Rt. Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, describing the veteran politician and military officer as a freedom fighter, peacemaker and development champion whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of Ugandans.
The President delivered the official government tribute during a special parliamentary sitting held in honour of the former Second Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani West County Member of Parliament.
Before addressing Parliament, President Museveni laid a wreath on Gen. Moses Ali’s casket in the presence of Vice President Jessica Alupo, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, members of the bereaved family and other dignitaries. He also consoled the family before delivering his remarks.
In his tribute, President Museveni reflected on Gen. Moses Ali’s political journey, recalling that his opposition to the excesses of Idi Amin’s regime resulted in his demotion and eventual exile following the collapse of the government in 1979.
The President said the late statesman later joined efforts to overthrow Amin’s dictatorship, working alongside other liberation groups on various fronts in what ultimately contributed to Uganda’s liberation.
Museveni also praised Gen. Moses Ali for his role in promoting peace during one of Uganda’s most turbulent periods, saying he rejected violence and consistently championed dialogue and reconciliation in the years following the 1970s conflicts. According to the President, those efforts helped lay the foundation for the country’s long-term stability.
Turning to development, Museveni commended the late leader for spearheading key infrastructure projects in the West Nile sub-region, including the construction of tarmac roads and the extension of the national electricity grid.
He said the projects significantly improved connectivity and accelerated socio-economic development in the region.
The President urged leaders from West Nile to preserve Gen. Moses Ali’s legacy by focusing on household wealth creation, arguing that economic empowerment remains central to achieving sustainable development.
Gen. Moses Ali died on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala at the age of 87.
His body has since been airlifted to Adjumani District, where an official vigil will be held at his ancestral home in Atabu Parish, Pakele Division.
The burial programme will conclude on Thursday, July 23, with a regional memorial gathering at Paridi Stadium in Adjumani District, expected to bring together political leaders, religious figures and residents from the West Nile and Madi sub-regions.
Funeral prayers will be held before his burial at his ancestral home.
By Francis Lubega
21st July 2026