Uganda has lost one of its most enduring political figures. Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, Second Deputy Prime Minister, retired four-star general, and long-serving Adjumani West MP, passed away on 18 July 2026 at the age of 87, bringing to a close a remarkable career that spanned multiple eras of the nation’s history.
Who was Moses Ali?
Moses Ali was a prominent Ugandan lawyer, retired four-star general, and veteran politician who dedicated over five decades to public service. Born on 5 April 1939 in Adjumani District, he rose through the military ranks and held senior cabinet positions under multiple Ugandan leaders, including Presidents Idi Amin and Yoweri Museveni.
He served as Minister of Finance, Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities, and Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, among other roles. He also held various Deputy Prime Ministerial positions, culminating as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament from 2021 until his death.
A respected figure in the West Nile region, particularly among the Madi community, Ali was known for his advocacy on infrastructure projects and regional development. He was educated at Makerere University (LLB) and the Law Development Centre, and received military training in Uganda, Israel, and the United Kingdom.
How long was he a Member of Parliament?
Moses Ali served as a Member of Parliament for the Adjumani area for more than two decades. He first entered legislative roles in the late 1980s through the National Resistance Council and Constituent Assembly. He was elected MP for East Moyo County in 1996 and consistently retained the seat (later Adjumani West) through multiple election cycles.
He was re-elected in the January 2026 general elections and sworn into the 12th Parliament on 13 May 2026, making him one of Uganda’s longest-serving and oldest parliamentarians at the time.
Also Read: Terry Venables : The former England, Spurs and Barcelona Manager Dies at 80 Years
When did Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali die?
Gen. Moses Ali passed away on 18 July 2026 at the age of 87. He had been in critical condition and under intensive care in recent days, with reports of admission to Mulago Heart Institute before transfer to Nakasero Hospital in Kampala. His death marks the end of an era for Ugandan politics, where he was one of the few figures to bridge multiple regimes and provide continuity in governance.
Tributes are expected from across the political spectrum, with many highlighting his resilience, military contributions to national stability, and long-standing commitment to his constituents in Adjumani. Details regarding funeral arrangements are anticipated from the family and government in the coming days.
