KAMPALA, UGANDA — General (Rtd) Moses Ali, one of Uganda’s longest-serving military officers, politicians and statesmen, has died at the age of 87.
Captain Mike Mukula announced that Gen Ali passed away at 4:25 p.m. on Saturday at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala, where he had been receiving treatment.
In an emotional tribute, Mukula described the deceased general as a dear friend, distinguished patriot, freedom fighter and statesman whose contribution to Uganda’s peace, unity and reconstruction would remain permanently engraved in the country’s history.
“General Moses Ali devoted his life to the service of Uganda. His contribution to the struggle for peace, national unity, stability, and reconstruction will forever remain engraved in the history of our nation,” Mukula said.
He remembered Gen Ali as a courageous soldier, astute leader and elder statesman whose wisdom, humility and commitment to Uganda inspired generations of leaders and citizens.
From soldier to elder statesman
Born on April 5, 1939, in Adjumani District, Gen Ali’s political and military career stretched across more than five decades and mirrored some of the most turbulent periods in Uganda’s post-independence history.
A trained lawyer and military officer, Ali rose to prominence during the government of President Idi Amin, serving in senior military and Cabinet positions, including as minister of Finance and minister of Internal Affairs.
Following the collapse of Amin’s government in 1979, Ali went into exile and later led the Uganda National Rescue Front, a rebel group mainly operating in the West Nile region.
His eventual peace agreement with President Yoweri Museveni’s government in 1986 led to the integration of his fighters into the National Resistance Army and marked a significant step towards restoring peace and stability in West Nile.
Gen Ali subsequently became one of the most prominent political figures from northern Uganda and served in several ministerial portfolios, including tourism, trade, internal affairs, disaster preparedness and refugee affairs.
He represented East Moyo County in Parliament and was also a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted Uganda’s 1995 Constitution. After losing his parliamentary seat in 2006, he returned to Parliament in 2011 and was appointed Third Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business. He was promoted to the rank of full General in 2012.
Ali later served as First Deputy Prime Minister from 2016 to 2021 and Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business from 2021 until May 2026.
Popularly known as the “Lion of Adjumani,” he was credited with advancing government development programmes, promoting national unity and supporting partnerships aimed at improving livelihoods in Adjumani and other parts of the country.
Although he was left out of President Museveni’s Cabinet announced in May 2026, Gen Ali had recently returned to Parliament after being sworn in as the representative for Adjumani West County in the 12th Parliament. His departure from Cabinet ended more than 50 years of active public service.
Mukula extends condolences
Mukula extended condolences to President Museveni, the government, Gen Ali’s family, the people of Adjumani, the West Nile sub-region and the entire country.
“Uganda has lost one of her finest sons, but his enduring legacy will continue to inspire future generations to serve with integrity, selflessness, and unwavering love for country,” he said.
He urged Ugandans to remember Gen Ali not only for the senior offices he occupied but also for the lives he touched and his contribution to building the nation.
“May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him His infinite mercy, admit him into Jannatul Firdaus, and grant strength, comfort, and peace to his family and to all who mourn him,” Mukula said.
