UPDF Bids Farewell To Four-Star General (Rtd) Moses Ali, Architect Of Peace In West Nile

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) today joined Parliament in paying a glowing tribute to Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali, RO 10620, describing him as one of the longest-serving soldiers, a courageous freedom fighter and “Lion Of West Nile” whose life was dedicated to the defence of Uganda.

The Special Sitting, chaired by the Speaker, Rt Hon Jacob Marksons Oboth, was attended by senior UPDF officers and more than 40 Members of Parliament.

Gen Ali died on 18 July 2026 at Nakasero Hospital aged 87.

UPDF: ‘A soldier to the very end’

Presenting the UPDF tribute, the Managing Director of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) Hon Lt Gen James Mugira, the UPDF Representative in Parliament, said the army was mourning “one of our own”.

“On behalf of the UPDF fraternity, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Adjumani and the entire West Nile sub-region, Members of Parliament and to His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of UPDF Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the loss of this distinguished son of Uganda,” Lt Gen Mugira stated.

Lt Gen Mugira noted that at the time of his retirement, Gen Ali was Uganda’s longest-serving military officer and a Four-Star General who “devoted his life to the service of his motherland.” He breathed his last on Saturday, 11 July 2026 at Nakasero Hospital.

According to UPDF records, Gen Ali enlisted into the National Army — the Uganda Army — on 16 May 1968 as a Cadet Officer. He rose steadily through the ranks to Four-Star General at retirement on 31 July 2011.

His professional military courses included Officer Cadet and Paratrooper Instructors Course, Company Commander Course in Israel, and the Staff College Course at Camberley in the UK. He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, and Operational and Republic Medals in 1973.

“We are therefore paying tribute to a man whose life was deeply intertwined with the history of Uganda. His journey through different periods of our nation’s history reflected a remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances. His resilience, experience, and ability to navigate changing political landscapes made him one of Uganda’s most enduring public servants. His contribution will no doubt remain part of Uganda’s historical record,” mourned Lt Gen Mugira.

From UNRF commander to peace builder

Tributes highlighted Gen Ali’s critical role in restoring peace and security to West Nile.

As commander of the Uganda National Rescue Front `(UNRF) in the 1980s, he fought against the Obote II regime. After the NRA victory, he chose the path of peace and signed the Peace Agreement with Government on 16 November 1986. The agreement led to the integration of UNRF fighters into the National Resistance Army, a milestone that ended years of insurgency in the sub-region.

“Gen Moses Ali’s name is therefore, synonymous with the return of peace and security in the area. As UPDF, we salute his invaluable contribution to ending the insecurity in the West Nile and for contributing to the bringing of peace, security and stability currently enjoyed in the region,” he recounted.

Lt Gen Mugira recalled working closely with Gen Ali in the mid-1990s when he served as Private Secretary to the President, and again in 2004 when, as Chief of Military Intelligence, they worked together to dismantle a rebel group attempting to establish bases in West Nile “with his support.”

A general who loved the uniform

Lt Gen Mugira described Gen Ali’s enduring attachment to the UPDF even in retirement.

“Gen Moses Ali had passion for and loved the Military. He always had officer Four stars on his vehicle even on a civilian vehicles and even in retirement whenever the UPDF issued a new type of Uniform in its stores, Gen Ali always asked for a pair of the new Uniform. Wherever he is, he must be happy that he has been given a befitting send off with full military honours,” Lt Gen Mugira said.

He added that Gen Ali authored _“The Odyssey of the Nubi: From Soldiers of the British Empire to full citizens in Uganda”_, an account of the history and struggles of Nubi soldiers and their contribution to Uganda’s early resistance against colonialism.

Affectionately known within the ranks and in West Nile as the “Cock of West Nile”, Gen Ali remained a rallying figure for discipline, patriotism and unity.

“No wonder they continued voting him into Parliament even when his health had deteriorated and he was visibly frail. Though the General is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on in every citizen who cherishes freedom, every soldier who serves with honor, and every young person inspired to lead with integrity. May we honor the General’s memory not only with our words, but with actions, by preserving the peace he fought for, defending the freedoms he helped secure, and living by the principles he so faithfully upheld,” Lt Gen Mugira concluded.

Government and Parliament salute service

The Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business, Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja, also paid tribute, noting Gen Ali’s cabinet service since 1986.

“Gen Moses Ali has an illustrious career spanning more than 50 years, serving in various capacities in the military, civil and public service, where he played a crucial role in the peace, national unity, stability and social and economic transformation of Uganda under the NRM,” Hon Nabbanja stated.

She described him as “a courageous soldier and an astute leader whose personal traits of selflessness, commitment to public interest, strict accountability and ethical transparency enabled him to serve the people of Uganda.”

West Nile MPs including Hon Fungaroo Kaps Hassan, Hon Olero Tom Aza, and Hon Oleru Huda also eulogised Gen Ali for his role in education, community protection, and development.

Service record

Born: 5 April 1939 to Muhammad Ali and Veronica Ali
Died: 18 July 2026
Ranks Held: 2nd Lt 1969; Major 1971; Colonel 1972; Brigadier 1974; Lt Gen 2003; Four-Star General 2012
Retired: 31 July 2011

The UPDF accorded Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali full military honours. Parliament observed a moment of silence before adjournment.