Kampala, Uganda: Uganda is mourning the death of veteran politician, retired military officer and former Second Deputy Prime Minister Gen Moses Ali, who died on Saturday at the age of 87.
According to family associates and political leaders, Gen Ali died at around 4:25 p.m. at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala, where he had been receiving treatment for several days.
President Museveni announced his passing and paid tribute to the longtime public servant, describing him as a dedicated soldier, political leader and accomplished farmer.
“It is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of our brother Gen. Moses Ali. He died today at Nakasero Hospital at 1600 hours. Gen. Moses Ali has provided service to his country for a long time, as a soldier and a political leader.
In the West Nile region, he provided the good example of being a big modern farmer. We shall miss greatly his contribution. May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace.”
The former National Resistance Movement (NRM) Vice Chairman for Eastern Uganda, Capt Mike Mukula, also paid tribute to the late general, describing him as a patriot, freedom fighter and statesman.
“It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I have received the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, distinguished patriot, freedom fighter, and statesman, General Moses Ali, who departed this life today at 4:25 p.m. at Nakasero Hospital,” Mukula said.
A Career Spanning More Than Five Decades
Gen Ali was one of Uganda’s longest-serving political and military figures, serving in successive governments over a public career that spanned more than five decades.
He most recently served as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament from 2021 until the formation of the new Cabinet in May 2026, when he was not reappointed.
Despite leaving Cabinet, he retained his parliamentary seat after winning election as Member of Parliament for Adjumani West County in the 2026 General Election. He was sworn into the 12th Parliament in May as one of the House’s oldest legislators.
Born on April 5, 1939, Gen Ali built a distinguished career in the military, politics and public administration. After reconciling with President Museveni’s government in the late 1980s, he went on to serve in several senior Cabinet positions, including Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and Minister for Disaster Preparedness, among others.
Earlier this year, following the conclusion of his Cabinet service, the Office of the Prime Minister credited Gen Ali with advancing government programmes, strengthening citizen engagement and promoting national unity throughout his years in public office.
At the time of publication, the Government had not yet announced funeral arrangements or whether Gen Ali would be accorded official national honours.
He is survived by his family and leaves behind a legacy of military service, political leadership, and public administration that shaped Uganda’s governance over several decades.
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