President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to veteran politician and former military leader Moses Ali following his death on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the age of 87.

In a statement posted on X, Museveni announced that the longtime Adjumani West County Member of Parliament died at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala at 4:00 p.m. after a period of illness.

“It is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of our brother Gen. Moses Ali,” Museveni wrote. “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 a good example of being a big modern farmer. We shall miss his contribution greatly. May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace,” read Museveni’s X post.

Ali had been receiving treatment at the Mulago Heart Institute before his condition worsened, leading to his transfer to Nakasero Hospital.

Parliament joins in mourning

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa also confirmed Ali’s death, describing him as a mentor whose contribution to Uganda would be remembered for generations.

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Rt. Hon Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, member of Parliament for Adjumani West County. Uganda has lost a true giant whose legacy of selfless service, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the nation will endure for generations,” Tayebwa said.

He recalled working closely with Ali during his tenure as Government Chief Whip, saying the veteran leader maintained an open-door policy and freely offered guidance to colleagues.

Tributes continued to stream in from political leaders and members of the public as Uganda mourned one of its longest-serving public figures.

Five decades in public service

Born on April 5, 1939, in Adjumani District, Ali served Uganda in both military and political leadership for more than five decades.

He joined the Uganda Army in 1968 and later served as Minister of Finance during the administration of President Idi Amin. Following Amin’s fall in 1979, Ali formed the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF) in the West Nile region.

In 1986, he signed a peace agreement with Museveni’s National Resistance Movement government, paving the way for the integration of UNRF fighters into the national army.

Ali later held several cabinet positions, including Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Minister of Internal Affairs, and Minister of Disaster Preparedness. He also served at different times as Third Deputy Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister and Second Deputy Prime Minister, while also acting as Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.

Final years in office

Popularly known as the “Lion of Adjumani” and the “Cock of Madi,” Ali remained active in public life and championed development and livelihood programmes in northern Uganda.

During the 2026 general election, he was re-elected as the oldest legislator in Uganda’s 12th Parliament at the age of 87.

President Museveni later relieved him of his Cabinet duties on health grounds and appointed his son, Siraj Musa Ali, as State Minister for Transport.

While Uganda prepares official funeral arrangements and parliamentary honours, leaders have continued to recognise Ali’s long record of public service, his role in national reconciliation and his contribution to agriculture and development in the West Nile region.