By Kabuye Ronald
Gen. Moses Ali, Uganda’s former Second Deputy Prime Minister and one of the country’s longest-serving political figures, has died at the age of 87.
The veteran politician and retired military officer passed away on Friday, ending a public service career that spanned more than five decades.
His death was announced by former NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Capt. Mike Mukula, who said Gen. Ali died at Nakasero Hospital at 4:25 p.m.
“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, Gen. Moses Ali, who departed this life today at 4:25 p.m. at Nakasero Hospital,” Mukula said.
He praised the late Gen. Ali for his lifelong dedication to Uganda, describing him as a leader whose contributions to peace, national unity, stability and reconstruction would remain part of the country’s history.
“He devoted his life to the service of Uganda. 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 added.
Born in 1939 in Atabo Parish, Pakele Division, Adjumani District, Moses Ali began his professional career as a teacher before joining the Uganda Army in 1968. He quickly rose through the ranks during the Idi Amin administration after receiving military training in Israel and the United Kingdom, attaining the rank of Brigadier in 1974.
During the 1970s, he served in several senior government positions, including Minister of Provincial Administration, Minister of Internal Affairs and Minister of Finance.
Following the collapse of Idi Amin’s government in 1979, Gen. Ali fled into exile in Sudan. A year later, he founded the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), a rebel movement that operated mainly in the West Nile region.
The UNRF later entered peace negotiations with President Yoweri Museveni’s government and officially laid down its arms in 1986, paving the way for Gen. Ali’s return to national politics.
He was first elected Member of Parliament for East Moyo, now Adjumani West, in 2001 and successfully defended the seat in every subsequent election. Earlier this year, he was re-elected as MP for Adjumani West.
Throughout his political career, Gen. Ali served in President Museveni’s Cabinet in several portfolios, including Minister of Tourism, Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports, Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, and Second Deputy Prime Minister. He was dropped from Cabinet earlier this year during the latest reshuffle.
Widely regarded as one of the West Nile region’s most influential political leaders, Gen. Ali earned the nickname “The Cock of West Nile” in recognition of his political influence and enduring popularity.
At the time of his death, he had devoted more than five decades to public service. He was most recently sworn in as Member of Parliament for Adjumani West in May 2026 following his re-election.
