The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, has paid tribute to the late former First Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani West County Member of Parliament, Gen. (Rtd.) Moses Ali, describing him as an outstanding patriot, distinguished soldier, accomplished statesman and dedicated public servant whose contribution to Uganda spanned more than five decades.
Gen. Moses Ali died at around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday at Nakasero Hospital after being admitted with unspecified ailments, according to President Yoweri Museveni.
His family said he had gone into a coma before his death.
He was 87 years old.
Speaking during a special parliamentary sitting held on Tuesday in honour of Gen. Ali and chaired by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, Babalanda said the late general devoted his life to advancing peace, unity and national development.
"Gen. Moses Ali was an outstanding patriot, distinguished soldier, accomplished statesman, and dedicated public servant whose contribution to our country spanned more than five decades. Throughout his life, he remained steadfast in advancing the ideals of peace, unity, and national development," she said.
Babalanda noted that Gen. Ali faithfully served the people of West Nile in Parliament for more than two decades. He was first elected Member of Parliament for East Moyo County in 2001, re-elected in 2011, and later represented Adjumani West County from 2016 until his death.
She said his repeated electoral victories reflected the confidence and trust his constituents had in his leadership.
"Even at the remarkable age of 86, they once again entrusted him with the responsibility of representing them in this august House. That enduring support spoke volumes about the respect he commanded, his wisdom, and his unwavering commitment to public service," she said.
According to Babalanda, Parliament will greatly miss Gen. Ali's institutional memory, wise counsel and measured approach to debate. She described him as one of Uganda's longest-serving legislators whose experience, humility and calm leadership enriched parliamentary proceedings.
"His ability to foster consensus earned him respect across the political divide and made him a mentor to many younger legislators," she said.
Babalanda also highlighted Gen. Ali's role in promoting peace and national reconciliation, saying his decision to abandon rebellion and join the National Resistance Movement (NRM) under President Museveni marked a turning point for stability in the West Nile region.
"Beyond Parliament, Gen. Moses Ali will be remembered as a champion of peace and national reconciliation. At a defining moment in our country's history, he chose dialogue over conflict by renouncing rebellion and joining the National Resistance Movement under the leadership of His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni," she said.
"That courageous decision helped restore peace in West Nile and strengthened national unity. He subsequently served the NRM government with loyalty and distinction in various leadership positions."
At the time of his death, Gen. Ali had only recently left active government after President Museveni omitted him from the Cabinet appointed in May 2026 on medical grounds.
His son, Siraji Musa Ali, was later appointed Minister of State for Works and Transport.
Born on April 5, 1939, in Atabo Parish, Pakele Division in present-day Adjumani District, Moses Ali lost both his parents at the age of 11 and was raised by his maternal uncle, Ramadan Wani, who supported his education.
To pay his school fees, he worked in people's gardens during his childhood.
He completed his primary education at Erepi Church of Uganda Primary School before joining Old Kampala Secondary School, where he obtained his General Certificate of Education. He also studied the Quran at a Madarasa before becoming a teacher and later joining the Uganda Army in 1968.
His military career advanced after specialised training in Israel and the United Kingdom. He served as Officer in Charge of Training at the Uganda Paratrooper School before becoming its commander and had attained the rank of Brigadier by 1974 during the Idi Amin administration.
Under the Amin government, Gen. Ali held several senior ministerial positions, including Minister of Finance and Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, while remaining one of the regime's influential military figures.
Following the collapse of the Amin government in 1979, he fled into exile in Sudan before returning to lead the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), an armed group that fought successive governments during the early 1980s.
After the National Resistance Movement came to power in 1986, Gen. Ali became one of the first major rebel leaders to sign a peace agreement with the new government.
The 1988 peace accord, which integrated UNRF fighters into the national army, is widely regarded as a landmark in restoring lasting peace to the West Nile region.
He subsequently joined the NRM government and became one of President Museveni's closest political allies.
Over the years, Gen. Ali served as Deputy Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, and senior adviser on peace, security and northern Uganda affairs.
Beyond politics and the military, Gen. Ali established Esia Mixed Farm after training in modern agriculture in Britain. His investment in commercial farming earned him recognition as one of West Nile's leading farmers, a contribution President Museveni specifically highlighted in his tribute.
A devout Muslim, Gen. Ali often attributed his achievements to faith, discipline, honesty and hard work.
In 2024, he published The Odyssey of the Nubi: From Soldiers of the British Empire to Full Citizens in Uganda, documenting the history and contribution of Uganda's Nubian community. The publication coincided with the launch of the Nubian Heritage and Cultural Centre in Adjumani District.
Away from public office, he supported community development through education initiatives, water projects, mosques and assistance to vulnerable families. He frequently described education as his greatest investment and consistently encouraged young people to embrace learning.
Babalanda extended condolences on behalf of the Office of the President to President Museveni, the First Family, the family of the late Gen. Moses Ali, and the people of Adjumani District and the wider West Nile region.
She urged Ugandans to uphold the values that defined Gen. Ali's life.
"May the Almighty grant eternal rest to the soul of Rt. Hon. Gen. Moses Ali, the 'Cock of Adjumani,'" she said.
Representatives from the 15 districts of West Nile are expected to gather at Paridi Stadium on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, for a regional tribute.
The final Janaza prayers will be held at Abiricaku at 3:00 p.m., followed by burial at 4:00 p.m.
Gen. Moses Ali is survived by four wives and 30 children.
