The call was made on Wednesday during a special West Nile regional council sitting held at Paridi Stadium in Adjumani to honour the late veteran politician, military officer and statesman.
Gen. Moses Ali’s casket arrived at about 10:30am, escorted by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Brass Band and senior military officers.
The body was later taken to a tent where the special sitting was held, attended by Local Council Five chairpersons from across West Nile, Members of Parliament serving as ex-officio members and other local government leaders.
Adjumani District Council Speaker Moses Rokani Simba, who presided over the sitting, described Gen Ali as a dedicated leader whose contribution to West Nile and Uganda should be preserved for future generations.
Adjumani District Local Council Five Chairperson John Anyanzo Ambayo urged the government to complete projects that were championed by the late General, including the proposed Laropi Bridge and the creation of municipalities for Moyo, Adjumani and Yumbe.
Yumbe District Local Council Five Chairperson Abdulmutwalib Mahamoud Asiku said West Nile continues to face major infrastructure gaps and called for increased government investment in roads, infrastructure and public services.
He also appealed for more senior positions for people from West Nile in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, citing the region’s contribution to national security.
Moyo District Local Council Five Chairperson Jimmy Vukoni Okudi described the late Ali as a resilient and humble leader who overcame challenges, reconciled with others and continued serving the country.
He said the late General was committed to mentoring young leaders and treated people with dignity regardless of their social standing.
Arua District Local Council Five Chairperson Cosmas Ayikobua described Gen. Moses Ali as a great leader whose contribution to the development of West Nile was significant, urging residents to turn their mourning into renewed commitment to unity, hard work and development.
Maracha District Local Council Five Chairperson Emmanuel Wani said Gen. Moses Ali was highly respected in the district for his contribution to development, including his efforts towards establishing a nursing school.
Ismail Drabe Adirisi said the late General played a key role in the establishment and development of several districts in West Nile, with his influence extending beyond his Adjumani West constituency.
The leaders presented a joint memorandum outlining eight major service delivery and development concerns affecting the region, saying addressing them would be one of the best ways to honour Gen. Moses Ali’s contribution.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa praised Gen. Moses Ali for mentoring many leaders and documenting the history and experiences of the Nubian community through his book.
The chief mourner, Vice President Jessica Alupo said President Museveni had met members of Gen. Moses Ali’s family and pledged government support.
She assured West Nile leaders that their eight-point memorandum would be presented to the President for consideration.
Alupo said some of the concerns raised were already being addressed, citing the proposed Laropi Bridge and the construction of the Laropi-Moyo-Afoji road as examples of government interventions.
The leaders said completing the projects and resolving the challenges outlined in their memorandum would be a fitting tribute to Gen Moses Ali, whose military and political career spanned several decades.