The nation has bid farewell to veteran statesman and former First Deputy Prime Minister Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali, with leaders paying tribute to his lifelong service, patriotism and commitment to Uganda during his official burial in Adjumani District.
Speaking at the burial ceremony, the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, who chaired the National Organising Committee, thanked Ugandans for their support in giving the late Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali a dignified send-off.
"Your dedication has demonstrated the respect and affection that our nation had for its extraordinary son," Babalanda said.
She conveyed appreciation to President Museveni for granting Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali an official burial and for standing with the family throughout the mourning period.
Babalanda also thanked Parliament for holding a special tribute sitting in honour of the late statesman and supporting the burial arrangements.
She further expressed gratitude to Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali's fellow Cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament for standing with him until his final days and for honouring his legacy through heartfelt tributes.
"The tributes have reminded the nation of his remarkable legacy of patriotism, humility and selfless service," she said.
Babalanda also thanked the people of West Nile for producing and sharing with Uganda what she described as an exceptional leader.
"The overwhelming love you have shown your 'Lion Son' in life and in death is a testimony to the lasting bond he forged with his people," she said.
She joined the Muslim community, led by the Mufti of Uganda, and the rest of the country in mourning what she described as the loss of "a peacemaker, statesman and a tireless champion of development."
As Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali was laid to rest, Babalanda urged Ugandans to emulate the values that defined his public life.
"While great leaders depart, the values they lived for endure. The greatest tribute we can pay him is to preserve our unity, work hard for our country and serve Uganda with the same dedication that defined his remarkable life," she said.
She concluded by praying for the late statesman and his family, saying, "May the Almighty Allah grant our departed elder eternal peace, comfort his family, and bless Uganda."
The official burial was held at Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali's ancestral home in Abiri Chako Village, Adjumani District. The ceremony was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, religious leaders, local leaders and thousands of mourners from across West Nile and other parts of the country.