FORMER Second Deputy Prime Minister and decorated Veteran Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali has on Wednesday been laid to rest at his ancestral home in Abirichaku Village, Adjumani District.
He died at the age 87 on July 18 at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala where he received treatment following a period of declining health. Following State and Parliamentary honors, Gen. Moses received a full military burial.
In his condolence message delivered by Vice President Jessica Alupo to hundreds of mourners, President Yoweri Museveni said the death of Gen. Moses Ali has robbed the Country of a freedom fighter and peacemaker, who made great contributions to Uganda’s political stability and the development of the West Nile sub-region.
“He rejected the brutality of Idi Amin’s regime, worked with us in the struggle for freedom, promoted peace and remained committed to the development of West Nile,” Museveni said.
On behalf of the Government, NRM Party and his own behalf, the president extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the People of Adjumani West County, the West Nile sub-region and all Ugandans grieving this big loss.
“I join you all to mourn and celebrate the extraordinary life of our brother, comrade and elder statesman, the late Rt. Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali,” he said.
Museveni informed mourners that Gen. Ali understood that peace and development go together emphasizing to mourners that the most befitting honor to Gen. Moses Ali’s wonderful legacy will be for leaders in West Nile and the whole Country, to emulate his example, by working hard to raise household incomes and achieve prosperity.
He thanked the fallen General for his service to Uganda and prayed that his soul rests in eternal peace.
According to UPDF records, Gen Ali enlisted into the National Army — the Uganda Army — on 16 May 1968 as a Cadet Officer. He rose steadily through the ranks to Four-Star General at retirement on 31 July 2011.
His professional military courses included Officer Cadet and Paratrooper Instructors Course, Company Commander Course in Israel, and the Staff College Course at Camberley in the UK. He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, and Operational and Republic Medals in 1973.
In her own words, the VP told mourners that in Moses Ali, the country was paying tribute to a man whose life was deeply intertwined with the history of Uganda. His journey through different periods of our nation’s history reflected a remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
“His resilience, experience, and ability to navigate changing political landscapes made him one of Uganda’s most enduring public servants. His contribution will no doubt remain part of Uganda’s historical record,” she said.
From UNRF commander to peace builder
At the burial ceremony, tributes highlighted Gen Ali’s critical role in restoring peace and security to West Nile. As commander of the Uganda National Rescue Front `(UNRF) in the 1980s, he fought against the Obote II regime. After the NRA victory, he chose the path of peace and signed the Peace Agreement with Government on 16 November 1986.
The agreement led to the integration of UNRF fighters into the National Resistance Army, a milestone that ended years of insurgency in the sub-region.
Speaker after speaker noted that Gen Moses Ali’s name is synonymous with the return of peace and security in west nile. UPDF Generals including Katumba Wamala the minister of Public Service saluted Moses Ali’s invaluable contribution to ending the insecurity in the West Nile and for contributing to the bringing of peace, security and stability currently enjoyed in the region.
LC-V chairperson Anyanzo John Ambayo thanked president Museveni for appointing Gen. Moses Ali’s son in cabinet highlighting that his appointment at least has wiped their tears as they mourn the passing of the fallen General.
Service Record
Born: 5 April 1939 to Muhammad Ali and Veronica Ali
Died: 18 July 2026
Ranks Held: 2nd Lt 1969; Major 1971; Colonel 1972; Brigadier 1974; Lt Gen 2003; Four-Star General 2012, Retired: 31 July 2011. The UPDF accorded Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali full military honours characterized by the 21 gun salute.
