Moses Ali: Veteran Ugandan politician dies
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 18, 2026Uganda has lost veteran politician and former Second Deputy Prime Minister (Rtd) Moses Ali, who died on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the age of 87.
Ali, who represented Adjumani West County in Parliament, died at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala after he was admitted in critical condition. He had earlier received treatment at Mulago Heart Institute before being transferred to Nakasero Hospital as his condition worsened.
His death was confirmed by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, who described the former Deputy Prime Minister as a mentor and father figure.
“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 in a statement.
Tayebwa recalled working with Ali when he served as Government Chief Whip during Ali’s tenure as Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business.
“His guidance and wisdom helped me settle in and grow into my role until my election as Deputy Speaker. Our offices were opposite each other and his door was always open for me to consult and tap into his unmatched wisdom,” he said.
President Yoweri Museveni also paid tribute to the veteran leader, describing him as a dedicated public servant whose contribution to Uganda spanned decades.
“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,” Museveni wrote on X.
The President said Ali had served Uganda for many years as both a soldier and a political leader. He also praised his contribution to agriculture in the West Nile region, saying he had set “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,” Museveni added.
From soldier to statesman
Born on April 5, 1939, in Adjumani District, Moses Ali joined the Uganda Army in 1968 and rose through the ranks to become one of the country’s most influential military officers.
During the government of former President Idi Amin, Ali held senior positions, including Minister of Finance. Following the fall of Amin’s government in 1979, he later formed and led the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), an armed group operating in West Nile.
In 1986, Ali reached a peace agreement with President Yoweri Museveni’s government after the National Resistance Movement came to power. His fighters were integrated into the national army, marking the beginning of his return to government service.
Ali went on to serve in several government positions for more than five decades. He was appointed to various cabinet roles, including Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, Minister of Internal Affairs, and Minister of Disaster Preparedness.
He also served as Deputy Prime Minister at different times, holding the positions of Third, First, and Second Deputy Prime Minister. He was also Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
In the 2026 general elections, Ali was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Adjumani West County, becoming the oldest legislator in Uganda’s 12th Parliament at 87.
President Museveni later removed him from cabinet, citing health concerns, and appointed his son, Siraj Musa Ali, as State Minister for Transport.
Known in West Nile as the “Lion of Adjumani” and the “Cock of Madi”, Ali remained a key political figure in the region. He was also involved in government programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and development in northern Uganda.
Tributes from political leaders, government officials, and members of Parliament continued to come in following news of his death.