KAMPALA, UGANDA — President Yoweri Museveni has announced the death of veteran soldier, politician and former deputy prime minister Gen Moses Ali, describing him as a long-serving national leader and an example of modern commercial farming in West Nile.
Museveni said Gen Ali died at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala at about 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
“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,” Museveni said.
The President praised Gen Ali’s decades of service in Uganda’s military and political leadership.
“Gen Moses Ali has provided service to his country for a long time, as a soldier and a political leader,” Museveni said.
He also highlighted the deceased statesman’s contribution to agriculture, describing him as a model farmer whose example extended beyond politics.
“In the West Nile region, he provided the good example of being a big modern farmer. We shall miss greatly his contribution,” Museveni added.
He prayed for Gen Ali’s soul to rest in eternal peace.
More than 50 years of service
Gen Ali, who was born on April 5, 1939, was 87. His career spanned more than five decades across Uganda’s military, Cabinet and Parliament, making him one of the country’s longest-serving public officials. The Office of the Prime Minister said he had remained in active public service for over 50 years before he was left out of the Cabinet appointed in May 2026.
He started his working life as a teacher before undertaking military training and being commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1969. He rose through the army and later held several senior government positions, including minister of Finance, minister of Internal Affairs, minister of Tourism, minister responsible for refugees and disaster preparedness, and different deputy prime minister portfolios.
Gen Ali also served as chairman of the Uganda National Rescue Front and later participated in the 1986 peace talks between the group and Museveni’s government. The UPDF has credited those negotiations with strengthening reconciliation, peace and national unity, particularly in the West Nile region.
His journey from military commander and rebel leader to senior member of Museveni’s government made him a central figure in Uganda’s post-conflict reconciliation and reconstruction.
‘Lion of Adjumani’
Popularly known as the Lion of Adjumani, Gen Ali remained an influential political figure in West Nile and represented the region in Parliament for several terms.
He returned to the House in May 2026 after taking oath as the Member of Parliament for Adjumani West County in the 12th Parliament.
During his final years in government, he served as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business from June 2021 to May 2026. The Office of the Prime Minister credited him with advancing programmes including the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, Operation Wealth Creation and the Youth Livelihood Programme.
He was also recognised for promoting citizen engagement, supporting vulnerable communities and championing partnerships intended to improve livelihoods in Adjumani and other parts of Uganda.
