The President of the Replica of Uganda Gen (Rtd) PYoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa has announced the death of Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, one of Uganda’s longest-serving political and military figures, describing him as a dedicated patriot whose decades of service left an enduring mark on the country.
“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,” President Museveni wrote on his X handle.
“Gen. Moses Ali has provided service to his country for a long time, as a soldier and a political leader. In the West Nile region, he provided the good example of being a big modern farmer. We shall miss greatly his contribution. May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace,” the President added.
Gen. Ali died at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala on Friday afternoon at the age of 87 after more than five decades in public service.
His death brings to a close one of Uganda’s most remarkable political careers, spanning successive eras of conflict, reconciliation and national leadership.
Popularly known as the “Lion of Adjumani,” Moses Ali was a towering figure in Uganda’s political history. Born in 1939, he first rose to prominence in the 1970s as a senior military officer and Minister of Finance under President Idi Amin.
Following the collapse of Amin’s government in 1979, Ali went into exile before returning to lead the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), an insurgent movement operating in the West Nile region.
In 1986, he reconciled with President Museveni’s government, integrating his forces into the National Resistance Army and embarking on a new chapter as a senior statesman within the National Resistance Movement administration.
Over the following four decades, Ali served in several of Uganda’s highest offices, including First Deputy Prime Minister, Third Deputy Prime Minister and, most recently, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
He also represented Adjumani West County in Parliament, becoming one of the country’s longest-serving legislators.
His departure from Cabinet in May 2026, when President Museveni unveiled a new ministerial team without his name for the first time in decades, marked the end of an era in Uganda’s executive leadership after more than 50 years of uninterrupted public service.
During his final term in office from 2021 to 2026, Ali played a key role in advancing government development programmes, including the Parish Development Model, Operation Wealth Creation, Emyooga and the Youth Livelihood Programme, particularly in the West Nile region.
He was credited with strengthening citizen engagement, supporting vulnerable communities and promoting government policies aimed at improving livelihoods.
Beyond domestic politics, Ali also championed international partnerships, including cooperation between Uganda’s Madi sub-region and Sardinia in Italy, initiatives that supported infrastructure development, cultural exchanges and socio-economic projects.
Tributes poured in from across Uganda following news of his death.
Former minister Capt. Mike Mukula described Ali as “a courageous soldier, an astute leader, and an elder statesman whose wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to Uganda inspired generations.”
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa remembered him as “a true giant” and a personal mentor whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
Remembered as both a soldier and politician, Gen. Ali leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, reconciliation and decades of public service.
Admired by supporters as the “Lion of Adjumani,” he remained one of the most influential figures in Uganda’s post-independence history, navigating periods of war, political transition and national reconstruction.
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