Museveni reveals three key values that define Gen Moses Ali’s legacy

Kampala, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has described the late Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali as a distinguished statesman whose life was defined by a commitment to freedom, peace and development, saying the veteran politician played a significant role in Uganda’s political transformation and the socio-economic progress of the West Nile sub-region.

Mr Museveni made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a special sitting of Parliament convened to pay tribute to the former Second Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani West MP, who died on July 18, 2026, at Nakasero Hospital aged 87.

In his eulogy, the President said three qualities stood out throughout Gen Moses Ali’s public life. “I came here to tell you the positive attributes I saw in Gen. Moses Ali: number one, a freedom fighter; number two, a peacemaker; and number three, a development champion,” Museveni said.

He said the late statesman would be remembered for his unwavering commitment to freedom, his pursuit of peace through dialogue and reconciliation, and his efforts to transform the West Nile region through infrastructure and development.

According to Mr Museveni, although Gen Moses Ali initially served under the Idi Amin government following the 1971 coup, he later became disillusioned with the regime.

“The late Gen. Moses Ali was a lover of freedom. I came to know this because although he had been with Idi Amin in the coup of 1971, I later heard that Moses Ali was not happy with Idi Amin killing people,” Museveni said.

The President added that Gen Moses Ali’s opposition to the excesses of Amin’s government eventually led to his demotion and exile following the fall of the regime in 1979.

Mr Museveni also recalled that the veteran politician later joined efforts to remove Amin’s dictatorship and contributed to Uganda’s liberation. “I was the first man in Uganda to oppose Idi Amin. I’m here, and I’m not dead,” Museveni remarked.

He credited Gen Moses Ali with promoting dialogue and reconciliation during periods of political instability, saying his commitment to peaceful engagement helped foster national unity.

Museveni also praised the late leader for championing major development projects in the West Nile sub-region, including the construction of tarmac roads and the expansion of the national electricity grid. He said those investments had contributed significantly to improving livelihoods and accelerating economic growth in the region.

Opposition Raises Rule of Law Concerns

Earlier during the special sitting, Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi used his tribute to urge President Museveni to strengthen adherence to the rule of law and ensure security agencies operate within the Constitution.

Ssenyonyi called on the President, as Commander-in-Chief, to ensure suspects are detained in accordance with the law and produced before court within the constitutional timeframe.

He also raised concerns over allegations of abductions and prolonged detention of some opposition supporters, including National Unity Platform (NUP) Buganda Vice President Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, whose whereabouts have been the subject of concern raised by the opposition.

Museveni did not directly respond to those remarks during his address, instead focusing on Gen Moses Ali’s life and legacy.

Before addressing Parliament, President Museveni laid a wreath on Gen Moses Ali’s casket and consoled members of the bereaved family in the presence of Vice President Jessica Alupo, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.

Following the parliamentary tribute, the late statesman’s remains were taken to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for public viewing ahead of his burial in Adjumani.

Gen (Rtd) Moses Ali served Uganda for more than five decades in both military and civilian leadership, holding several senior government positions, including Second Deputy Prime Minister, and is remembered for his contributions to national unity, public service and development.