Uganda’s Former Deputy Prime Minister Dies at 87
In his condolence message, President Museveni said Uganda has lost a great leader who served with total commitment in both military and political leadership.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Zuriel Midambo
Uganda’s former Second Deputy Prime Minister, retired General and veteran statesman, Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, has died at the age of 87, bringing to an end a remarkable public service career that lasted for more than five decades.
President Yoweri Museveni announced the death of the long-serving leader on Saturday, describing Gen. Ali as a patriotic, loyal and dedicated servant of Uganda whose contribution to the country will be remembered for many generations.
In his condolence message, President Museveni said Uganda has lost a great leader who served with total commitment in both military and political leadership.
“I have received the sad news of the passing of Gen. Moses Ali. Uganda has lost a patriotic and dedicated leader who served his country with commitment in both military and political leadership. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Adjumani, and all Ugandans. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” President Museveni said.
Gen. Ali was born on April 5, 1939, in Adjumani District in Northern Uganda. He joined the Uganda Army in the 1960s and quickly rose through the military ranks due to his discipline and leadership skills. He later served under former President Idi Amin in various high-ranking military positions before going into exile after Amin’s government was overthrown in 1979.
While in exile, Moses Ali formed and led the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), a rebel movement that fought against successive governments. The group later signed a peace agreement with President Museveni’s National Resistance Movement government, a deal that opened the way for his return to national politics and marked a major step towards reconciliation in Northern Uganda.
His political journey began in earnest in 1996 when he was first elected to Parliament to represent East Moyo County in Adjumani. After new constituencies were created ahead of the 2011 General Election, he became the Member of Parliament for Adjumani West County. He remained extremely popular in his home area, successfully retaining the seat in the 2016, 2021 and 2026 general elections, making him one of Uganda’s longest-serving legislators.
Throughout his distinguished career in government, Gen. Ali held several senior Cabinet positions. He served as First Deputy Prime Minister, Second Deputy Prime Minister, and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament. He was known as a calm, experienced and influential figure in Cabinet and in Parliament.
President Museveni also praised him for his critical role in promoting peace, reconciliation and national unity, noting that he was among the leaders who chose dialogue over conflict to build a stable Uganda.
“Gen. Moses Ali has served Uganda with exceptional dedication and patriotism for over five decades. He has been a steadfast leader, committed to peace, reconciliation and the transformation of our country. His contribution to national unity and development will remain part of Uganda’s history,” Museveni stated.
Following the news of his death, tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders across all parties, religious leaders, and ordinary citizens, who have described Gen. Ali as a seasoned statesman, a gallant soldier, and a humble leader whose legacy in military service, governance and national leadership will endure for many years.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family and the Government of Uganda, with sources indicating that he will be accorded an official state burial in recognition of his service.
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