At least 712 students of St. Mary’s Assumpta Girls Secondary School, the only girls’ secondary school in the Ma’di Sub-region, on Tuesday paused lessons to pay tribute to the late Gen. (Rtd.) Moses Ali, whose burial is scheduled for Wednesday in Adjumani District.
The school flew its flags at half-mast as students and staff gathered in prayer and sang patriotic songs in honour of the former Second Deputy Prime Minister and long-serving Adjumani West Member of Parliament, whom they credited with supporting the growth of the school and championing girl-child education.
Led by headteacher Sister Rebecca Abiyo, the students and teachers held a brief memorial at the school before returning to class.
Founded in 1978, St Mary’s Assumpta Girls Secondary School has grown into a leading girls' boarding school offering both Ordinary and Advanced Level education.
Sister Abiyo described Gen. Moses Ali as a leader whose impact extended far beyond his family and political career.
"The legacy he has left behind is great. He loved people beyond being his close relatives," she said.
She said the school, which began with only a handful of students, now has an enrolment of 712 girls drawn from Uganda and neighbouring countries, including refugees.
According to the headteacher, some students have travelled from as far as Ethiopia through South Sudan to study at the school, which has produced graduates serving in different professions.
She credited Gen. Moses Ali for supporting girl-child education and helping expand educational opportunities for both Ugandan and refugee girls.
Norah Abio, a Senior Two student, pledged that learners would continue preserving his legacy.
"We shall stand strong to uplift the legacy of Gen. Moses Ali because he acted as a father to all of us by supporting girl-child education in the Ma’di Sub-region," she said.
Senior Three student Brenda Mazapkwe said the late leader would also be remembered for promoting peace and stability in Uganda.
"Gen. Moses Ali's leadership was marked by playing a pivotal role in embracing peace and stability in Uganda, which has enabled the country to host refugees from other countries affected by turmoil," she said.
Judith Muya Julise, a 19-year-old Senior Six student and South Sudanese refugee, said Gen. Moses Ali advocated for peaceful coexistence and support for refugees in the West Nile region.
"Gen. Moses stood for peace, love and togetherness. He advocated for the hosting of refugees in the West Nile Region. We now feel respected and valued," Judith said.
Students said his contribution went beyond supporting individual learners, noting that he championed access to education for vulnerable and disadvantaged girls across the region.
The school's mission is to expand opportunities for marginalised girls through scholarships, bursaries and quality education.
The tribute came as mourners in the Ma'di Sub-region prepared for Gen. Moses Ali's burial.
His body arrived at Openzinzi Airfield in Adjumani District on Tuesday, where it was received by government officials, security personnel, local leaders, relatives, friends and hundreds of mourners.
The remains were later taken to his home in Abiricaku Village, Adjumani Town Council, for a night vigil.
Funeral prayers are scheduled for Wednesday at Paridi Stadium before his burial at Taqwa Mosque Cemetery in Abiricaku Village.
Gen. Moses Ali died in Kampala after decades of public service as a military commander, politician and community leader.
