KAMPALA
Uganda has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran statesman, decorated soldier, freedom fighter, and former Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali, who passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 4:25 p.m. at Nakasero Hospital. He was 87.
The sad news was announced by Captain Mike Mukula, who paid glowing tribute to the towering political figure, describing him as a patriot whose remarkable service to Uganda will never be forgotten.
“He was a courageous soldier, an astute leader, and an elder statesman whose wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to Uganda inspired generations of leaders and citizens alike,” Mukula said.
Mukula extended his condolences to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Government of Uganda, Gen. Ali’s family, the people of Adjumani District, the West Nile Sub-region, and all Ugandans mourning what he described as a monumental national loss.
Born on April 5, 1939, in Adjumani District, Gen. Moses Ali rose from humble beginnings to become one of Uganda’s most influential political and military leaders. Educated at Makerere University, where he earned a Bachelor of Laws degree, and the Law Development Centre, where he obtained a Diploma in Legal Practice, Ali also received advanced military training in Israel and the United Kingdom.
His public career stretched across more than five decades and witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Uganda’s history.
Gen. Ali first came into the national spotlight after the 1971 military coup that brought Idi Amin to power. He later served in Amin’s government as Minister of Finance, before falling out with the regime in 1978 and fleeing into exile after surviving what was reported to be an assassination attempt.
Following the fall of Amin’s government, Ali founded the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), one of the strongest rebel groups during Uganda’s Bush War. After President Museveni captured power in 1986, Ali negotiated a peace agreement that integrated his fighters into the National Resistance Army, marking the beginning of his long partnership with the NRM government.
Over the years, he served in several key Cabinet positions, including Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and Minister of Trade and Industry, before making history by serving as Third Deputy Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister, and later Second Deputy Prime Minister—a rare achievement in Uganda’s political history.
A longtime Member of Parliament, Ali represented East Moyo County for years before winning election as MP for Adjumani West Constituency in the 2026 General Election. Even after leaving Cabinet in May this year, he remained active in Parliament, serving on the ICT and National Guidance Committee and the Committee on Subsidiary Legislation until his death.
Widely regarded as one of President Museveni’s closest political allies, Gen. Ali was respected across political divides for his experience, resilience, and commitment to public service.
Mukula urged Ugandans to celebrate the late general’s extraordinary legacy.
“His life reminds us that true greatness is measured not by the offices one occupies, but by the lives one touches and the nation one helps to build,” he said.
He added that although Uganda has lost one of its finest sons, Gen. Moses Ali’s legacy of patriotism, courage, sacrifice, and dedicated public service will continue to inspire generations of Ugandans.
A devout Muslim, Gen. Ali was remembered with the Quranic verse:
“Innā lillāhi wa innā ilayhi rājiʿūn” — “Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.” (Qur’an 2:156)
