The Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) has joined Parliament in paying tribute to the late Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, describing him as a courageous freedom fighter, peacemaker and the "lion of West Nile" whose leadership played a pivotal role in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The tribute was delivered during a special sitting of Parliament chaired by Rt Hon Jacob Marksons Oboth to honour the former Second Deputy Prime Minister and veteran statesman.
Senior military officers, Members of Parliament and government leaders attended the sitting to celebrate the life and legacy of the four-star general, who died on 18 July 2026 at Nakasero Hospital at the age of 87.
The National Enterprise Corporation Managing Director, Lt Gen James Mugira, delivered the official military eulogy on behalf of the UPDF.
He extended condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Adjumani, the West Nile sub-region, Parliament and President Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF.
"On behalf of the UPDF fraternity, I extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the people of Adjumani and the entire West Nile sub-region, Members of Parliament and to His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of UPDF Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on the loss of this distinguished son of Uganda," Lt Gen Mugira said.
Lt Gen Mugira said Gen. Moses Ali's life mirrored Uganda's political and military history, noting that he remained steadfast through decades of national transformation.
"We are therefore paying tribute to a man whose life was deeply intertwined with the history of Uganda," Lt Gen Mugira said.
"His journey through different periods of our nation's history reflected a remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances. His resilience, experience, and ability to navigate changing political landscapes made him one of Uganda's most enduring public servants. His contribution will no doubt remain part of Uganda's historical record," he added.
Gen. Moses Ali enlisted in the Uganda Army as a cadet officer on 16 May 1968.
He served for more than four decades before retiring as a Four-Star General on 31 July 2011.
During the 1980s, he led the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF) before signing a landmark peace agreement with the government on 16 November 1986.
The agreement integrated UNRF fighters into the National Resistance Army and helped restore peace in the West Nile sub-region.
Lt Gen Mugira described that decision as one of Gen. Moses Ali's greatest contributions to Uganda's stability.
"Gen. Moses Ali's name is therefore synonymous with the return of peace and security in the area," Lt Gen Mugira said.
"As UPDF, we salute his invaluable contribution to ending the insecurity in West Nile and for contributing to the bringing of peace, security and stability currently enjoyed in the region," he added.
Gen. Moses Ali served Uganda in both military and civilian leadership for nearly six decades.
He earned recognition as one of the country's longest-serving public servants and a respected advocate for peace, national unity and the development of the West Nile sub-region.
