By Derick Sentamu

KAMPALA — Uganda has lost one of its longest-serving public figures following the death of retired General Moses Ali, the veteran politician, former deputy prime minister and Adjumani West Member of Parliament, who died on Saturday aged 87.

Ali passed away at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala after a period of ill health, bringing to a close a career that spanned more than half a century in military service, politics and national leadership.

For decades, Moses Ali remained a central figure in Uganda’s political landscape, serving under different administrations before becoming one of the National Resistance Movement government’s most senior leaders.

His career saw him occupy several high-profile offices, including First Deputy Prime Minister, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

Born in Adjumani District on April 5, 1939, Ali first rose to prominence as a military officer before later becoming a leading political figure in the West Nile region. Following years of conflict, he signed a peace agreement with President Yoweri Museveni’s government in 1988, a move that helped restore stability in the region and marked the beginning of his long tenure in the NRM administration.

As Member of Parliament for Adjumani West, Ali became one of Uganda’s longest-serving legislators and remained active in national politics despite advancing age. He successfully defended his parliamentary seat in the 2026 General Election, underscoring his enduring influence among voters.

Throughout his years in public office, Ali championed peacebuilding, post-conflict recovery and socio-economic development in the West Nile sub-region. Colleagues often described him as a calm negotiator and experienced statesman whose institutional memory shaped government policy over several decades.

Messages of condolence from political leaders, religious figures and members of the public began pouring in shortly after news of his death emerged. President Yoweri Museveni is expected to lead national tributes, while government officials are expected to announce arrangements for a state funeral.

Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali leaves behind a legacy intertwined with Uganda’s post-independence history, having witnessed and shaped many of the country’s defining political and military transitions.

He is survived by his family. Funeral and burial arrangements will be announced by the family in consultation with the government.