Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has praised the late General Moses Ali as a statesman who devoted much of his life to public service, while urging Uganda’s leaders to uphold constitutional values and strengthen public institutions.
Speaking during a parliamentary tribute session held in honour of the former Second Deputy Prime Minister, Ssenyonyi acknowledged the political differences between himself and Ali but said they did not diminish his respect for the veteran politician’s contribution to Uganda.
“He belonged to the NRA and I belong to the National Unity Platform. But I respected him,” Ssenyonyi said.
The opposition leader said Ali’s decision to continue seeking elective office despite his advanced age and health challenges was a matter on which they differed, but maintained that his decades of service deserved recognition.
“I didn't even agree with the idea of him running for office again, yet he was unwell and needed to take a break. But I still give him his flowers for the service that he rendered this nation over the years,” he said.
Ssenyonyi said Ali’s death was a reminder that political offices are temporary and leaders should focus on the legacy they leave behind.
“Death reminds all of us that beyond our different political parties, ideologies and contests, we are all temporary custodians of public office,” he said.
He urged leaders to serve diligently, respect the rule of law and ensure that institutions are stronger after their tenure.
“No position or status we hold is everlasting. May we cause positive impact. May we be diligent leaders. Let us respect the rule of law and the people of Uganda whom we serve,” Ssenyonyi said.
With President Yoweri Museveni, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, attending the tribute session, Ssenyonyi used the occasion to appeal for security agencies to operate within the limits of the Constitution.
“I would like to ask him to prevail over the various security entities to observe the law and respect the law as they do their work,” he said.
Ssenyonyi said Uganda’s 1995 Constitution provides clear procedures governing arrest and detention, and urged authorities to follow them regardless of a person’s political affiliation or status.
“Anyone, whether a leader or an ordinary citizen, may be suspected by the state to have committed an offence. But they ought to be apprehended as the law stipulates, detained in a gazetted detention facility and produced in court within 48 hours,” he said.
He expressed concern over what he described as a pattern of unlawful detentions, saying some suspects are held for extended periods without access to their families or courts.
“Lately, people are abducted, taken for days, weeks and even months. Sometimes they are tortured. The family does not know their whereabouts and they are not produced in court. This is not right and we must collectively condemn it,” Ssenyonyi said.
Opposition parties and human rights groups have previously raised concerns over allegations of enforced disappearances, torture and illegal detention involving security agencies. Authorities have consistently said security operations are conducted within the law and in defence of national security.
Ssenyonyi also highlighted Ali’s decision to abandon armed rebellion and integrate his forces into Uganda’s national army, describing it as evidence of his commitment to national unity.
He concluded by extending condolences to Ali’s family, the people of Adjumani, the Muslim and Nubian communities, friends, colleagues and all Ugandans mourning the former minister.
“May they find comfort in the acts he dedicated to serving this our country. May God grant General Moses Ali eternal rest and comfort his family in this very trying time,” he said.
Gen. Moses Ali, one of Uganda’s longest-serving political figures, served in several senior government positions, including as First Deputy Prime Minister and Second Deputy Prime Minister, during a public career that spanned several decades. His death has attracted tributes from across Uganda’s political divide.