Uganda is mourning the loss of one of its longest-serving political and military figures following the death of Gen. Moses Ali, who died on July 18, 2026, at Nakasero Hospital. He was 87.
The veteran statesman, former First Deputy Prime Minister, and Member of Parliament for Adjumani West County leaves behind a public service career that spanned decades. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders across the country, including President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, and longtime friend Captain Mike Mukula, who shared personal memories of their enduring friendship.
Captain Mike Mukula Recalls a Life-Saving Rescue
Among the most emotional tributes came from Captain Mike Mukula, who revealed new details about a medical emergency Gen. Moses Ali survived more than two decades ago.
According to Mukula, the veteran leader collapsed in Adjumani in 2001, prompting an urgent response.
Mukula said he immediately dispatched his LET 410 aircraft to airlift Moses Ali to Entebbe before arranging an ambulance transfer to Mulago Hospital, where doctors performed emergency neurosurgery.
“I vividly remember when he collapsed in Adjumani in 2001. I immediately dispatched my aircraft LET 410 to airlift him to Entebbe, arranged an ambulance to Mulago Hospital, where an emergency neurosurgical operation successfully removed a blood clot from his brain, giving him a new lease on life,” Mukula wrote.
He described the incident as one of many moments that strengthened a friendship built over years of public service.
A Friendship Forged Through Public Service
Mukula said his relationship with Moses Ali extended far beyond politics.
He recalled regular visits between their homes in Bugolobi, Adjumani, and Kampala, noting that they shared countless conversations throughout the years.
The two leaders also served together in Cabinet and on the National Resistance Movement’s Central Executive Committee, where Moses Ali represented Northern Uganda while Mukula represented Eastern Uganda.
Mukula also reflected on speaking during the launch of Moses Ali’s book, The Nubian Dynasty, describing the late general as a patriot, freedom fighter, and trusted friend.
“Uganda has lost a courageous son, but I have lost a cherished friend,” he said.
Health Had Been a Growing Concern
Although Gen. Moses Ali remained active in public life well into his later years, concerns about his health had become increasingly visible.
In recent years, he frequently appeared frail during public events and often relied on aides for assistance while walking, standing, or approaching the podium.
Observers had also noted episodes in which he appeared to struggle with tremors.
After becoming Uganda’s longest-serving minister, Moses Ali was dropped from Cabinet during the government reshuffle announced on May 26, 2026. His son, Siraj Musa Ali, was appointed Minister of State for Works in the same reshuffle.
President Museveni Pays Tribute
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni confirmed the veteran leader’s death in a statement shared on X.
“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,” the President wrote.
Museveni praised Moses Ali’s decades of service both as a soldier and political leader.
He also highlighted the late general’s contribution to agriculture in the West Nile region, describing him as a model modern farmer.
“We shall miss greatly his contribution. May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace,” the President added.
Thomas Tayebwa Remembers a Mentor
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa also paid tribute, describing Gen. Moses Ali as both a national leader and a personal mentor.
Tayebwa recalled serving as Government Chief Whip while Moses Ali was Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business.
He said the late statesman’s guidance helped him settle into government leadership, adding that Moses Ali’s office door was always open for consultation and advice.
“I mourn a father figure and mentor who took me in as a son,” Tayebwa wrote.
He extended condolences to the family, Parliament, the National Resistance Movement, the people of Adjumani, and all Ugandans mourning the loss.
A Legacy That Spanned Generations
Gen. Moses Ali’s political career stretched across multiple decades, making him one of Uganda’s most recognizable and experienced public servants.
Throughout his career, he held several senior government positions and played a prominent role in national politics, security, and public administration.
Supporters frequently described him as a bridge between generations of leaders, while colleagues remembered his commitment to peace, national unity, and reconstruction.
His influence extended beyond government, particularly in the West Nile region, where he was widely respected for his leadership and contributions to farming and community development.
Why His Passing Matters
The death of Gen. Moses Ali marks the end of an era in Ugandan politics.
Few leaders served the country for as long or held as many senior positions throughout different chapters of the nation’s history.
The tributes from political leaders across party and institutional lines reflect the significance of his public service and the impact he had on colleagues, communities, and the country’s political landscape.
As Uganda reflects on his legacy, attention is expected to turn to the official funeral programme and national commemorations that will honor his life and decades of service.
Behind the titles and military ranks was a man remembered by many of his colleagues as approachable, wise, and deeply committed to the country he served. Captain Mike Mukula’s recollection of rushing to save his friend’s life in 2001 offered a rare glimpse into the personal bonds that often existed behind Uganda’s political leadership.
For his family, friends, and the people of Adjumani, the loss is deeply personal. For Uganda, it marks the passing of one of the country’s longest-serving statesmen whose influence reached across generations.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the government in the coming days as the nation prepares to bid farewell to Gen. Moses Ali.