The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has joined the nation in paying final respects to the late Gen (Rtd) Hon. Moses Ali, the former Second Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani West Member of Parliament, with national leaders honouring his decades of service to Uganda as a soldier, liberation fighter and statesman.
Representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at the burial ceremony, Vice President Her Excellency Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo highlighted the historical struggles that shaped Uganda’s liberation and the values that guided the National Resistance Movement (NRM) from its formation.
In the President’s message, he recalled that he and other members of the youth movement opposed the Idi Amin regime from the outset, driven by principles of patriotism, Pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation and democracy, which he said were lacking in Uganda’s leadership at the time.
President Museveni noted that the struggle was aimed at restoring freedom to Uganda while advancing the liberation of the African continent through cooperation with other leaders, including the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania. He said the vision was to promote regional integration through the East African Community and strengthen continental unity, efforts that later contributed to initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The President, in his message, condemned the historical marginalisation of the people of West Nile following the fall of the Idi Amin regime, emphasising that no Ugandan should suffer discrimination based on tribe, religion, region or gender.
He stressed that the mistakes of individuals should never be attributed to entire communities, adding that national unity remains critical for Uganda’s progress.
President Museveni paid tribute to Gen Moses Ali for championing government programmes that contributed to the transformation of West Nile, including electricity extension, road construction, expansion of ferry services, education and wealth creation initiatives.
“He made a tremendous contribution to Uganda and will forever be remembered for his distinguished service to the nation,” the President’s message concluded.
He encouraged communities in West Nile to embrace commercial agriculture through programmes such as the Four-Acre Model, Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to create employment opportunities and improve household incomes.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa described Gen Moses Ali as a humble and approachable leader whose humanity transcended rank and office.
Tayebwa recalled an incident in Yumbe where the late General personally contacted his driver to pass on a message, saying the gesture demonstrated his simplicity and ability to relate with people from all walks of life regardless of their status.
The Deputy Speaker also delivered a condolence message from Mr Joel Botro, the United Nations Deputy Special Representative for Haiti and former UNHCR Country Representative in Uganda, who described Gen Moses Ali as a symbol of dedication, courage, determination and openness to diverse opinions.
Representing the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru described the late General as a soldier, liberation fighter, statesman, mentor and father of the nation whose service to Uganda spanned more than five decades.
She said Gen Moses Ali served with courage, wisdom and unwavering patriotism from the liberation struggle to his time in Parliament and Cabinet, where he held several senior positions, including First Deputy Prime Minister and Second Deputy Prime Minister.
Hon. Oleru noted that even after retirement, Gen Moses Ali continued mentoring young officers and advising the government on matters of security, governance and national cohesion.
She pledged that the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs would continue honouring his legacy through support to veterans and completion of ex-gratia payments to former Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF) combatants.
She assured the people of West Nile that the ministry would return to provide accountability upon completion of the exercise.
On behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the General Officer Commanding Reserve Force, Lt Gen Charles Otema Awany, described Gen Moses Ali as an outstanding military leader whose contribution to restoring peace and security in West Nile and Uganda at large would remain unforgettable.
Lt Gen Otema Awany praised the late General’s discipline, resilience and exemplary leadership, saying his professional conduct would continue inspiring future generations of officers and soldiers.
Gen Moses Ali joined the Uganda Army on 16 May 1962 and served in various command and staff appointments before honourably retiring from active military service on 31 July 2004.
Born in April 1939, Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali served in several key positions during his military and political career, including Commander of the Paratrooper School, Minister of Finance, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Minister of Wildlife and Antiquities, First and Second Deputy Prime Minister, and Member of Parliament for Adjumani West until his death.
The late General passed away on 18 July 2026 while receiving treatment at Nakasero Hospital. He was accorded full military honours, including a 17-gun salute, in recognition of his distinguished service to Uganda.
The farewell ceremony was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubaje, General Officers, Service Commanders, senior and junior UPDF officers, family members, clan leaders, religious leaders and hundreds of mourners who gathered to bid farewell to one of Uganda’s most distinguished sons.
