By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Uganda, 18 July 2026 - Uganda is mourning the death of one of its longest-serving political and military figures, Gen Moses Ali, whose decades of public service shaped the country's political landscape across successive governments.
President Yoweri Museveni announced on Saturday that the veteran statesman died at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala at around 4pm. He was 87.
"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 said.
Paying tribute, the President described Ali as a dedicated public servant whose contribution extended beyond politics and the military.
"Gen Moses Ali has provided service to his country for a long time, as a soldier and a political leader," Museveni said.
He also recognised Ali's role in promoting commercial farming in Uganda's West Nile region.
"In the West Nile region, he provided 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."
Ali's death closes a public career spanning more than five decades, during which he served in senior military and government positions and remained a key figure in Uganda's Parliament.
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Born on 5 April 1939 in Adjumani District, Ali first rose to national prominence after participating in the 1971 military coup that brought Idi Amin to power. During Amin's administration, he served as Minister of Finance before later falling out with the regime and fleeing into exile.
He returned to Uganda's political mainstream after President Museveni took power in 1986, following a peace agreement that integrated his Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF) forces into the national army.
Ali later transitioned fully into politics, serving in Parliament from 2001 and holding several senior Cabinet posts, including Third Deputy Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister and, most recently, Second Deputy Prime Minister until a Cabinet reshuffle earlier this year.
Despite losing his parliamentary seat in 2006, he made a political comeback in 2011 and remained an influential voice in government. Following Uganda's 2026 General Election, he was elected MP for Adjumani West and was sworn into office in May.
His death comes just weeks after he stepped down from Cabinet, though he continued serving as a legislator.
Remembered for his longevity in public service and his influence in both Uganda's military and civilian leadership, Gen Moses Ali leaves behind a legacy that spans some of the country's most defining political transitions.