KAMPALA, UGANDA — Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali, one of Uganda’s longest-serving military officers, politicians and statesmen, has died at the age of 87, bringing to an end a remarkable public service journey that lasted more than five decades.
Gen Ali passed away on Saturday at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala, where he had been receiving treatment. His death was announced by Captain Mike Mukula, who described him as a distinguished patriot, freedom fighter and elder statesman whose contribution to Uganda’s peace, unity and reconstruction would remain part of 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.
Popularly known as the “Lion of Adjumani,” Gen Ali was born on April 5, 1939, in Adjumani District. His career stretched across Uganda’s most challenging political periods, where he served as a soldier, government minister, legislator and national leader.
A trained lawyer and military officer, Gen Ali rose to prominence during the government of President Idi Amin, serving in senior roles including Minister of Finance and Minister of Internal Affairs.
After the fall of Amin’s government in 1979, Gen Ali went into exile and later led the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), a rebel group operating mainly in the West Nile region.
His peace agreement with President Yoweri Museveni’s government in 1986 marked a turning point in his career and contributed to the integration of UNRF fighters into the National Resistance Army, helping strengthen peace and stability in West Nile.
Gen Ali later became one of northern Uganda’s most influential political figures, serving in several ministerial positions, including Tourism, Trade, Internal Affairs, Disaster Preparedness and Refugee Affairs.
He represented East Moyo County in Parliament and was 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 and later served as First Deputy Prime Minister from 2016 to 2021. He subsequently served as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business until May 2026.
Captain Mukula described Gen Ali as a courageous soldier, wise leader and humble statesman whose dedication to Uganda inspired generations of citizens and leaders.
“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.
Gen Ali had recently returned to Parliament after being sworn in as the representative for Adjumani West County in the 12th Parliament.
His death has drawn condolences from leaders, government officials and citizens across the country, with many remembering him for his role in peace building, national unity and decades of service to Uganda.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.