Uganda's Deputy PM Gen Moses Ali dies aged 87/HANDOUT
Uganda is mourning the death of veteran politician and military officer Gen Moses Ali, with President Yoweri Museveni describing him as a leader who served the country for decades in both military and political leadership.
In a statement on Saturday, Museveni announced that Ali died at Nakasero Hospital at 4 pm.
"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.
The President paid tribute to Ali's long public service, saying he made significant contributions to Uganda over many years.
"Gen Moses Ali has provided service to his country for a long time, as a soldier and a political leader," Museveni said.
Beyond politics and the military, Museveni also praised Ali's contribution to agriculture 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," the President said.
Museveni concluded his message by saying: "May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace."
Ali served as Uganda's Second Deputy Prime Minister from 2021 until his death in 2026. Before that, he held several senior Cabinet positions, including First Deputy Prime Minister between 2016 and 2021 and Third Deputy Prime Minister from 2011 to 2016. He also served as Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament.
He remained an active figure in Uganda's Parliament for many years. From 2011 until his death, he represented East Moyo County in Adjumani District. Following the 2026 general election, he was elected Member of Parliament for Adjumani West constituency and was sworn into office on May 13, 2026.
After taking office, he was appointed to the Parliamentary Committee on ICT and National Guidance and the Committee on Subsidiary Legislation.
Later that month, President Museveni reshuffled his Cabinet, replacing Ali as Second Deputy Prime Minister with Crispus Kiyonga. During the same changes, Ali's son, Siraj Musa Ali, was appointed Minister of Works and Transport.
Born on April 5, 1939, in Adjumani District, Ali built a career that combined military service, law and politics. He studied at several institutions, including Old Kampala Secondary School, before undertaking military training in Israel, where he completed officer cadet, paratrooper instructor and company commanders' courses.
He later earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from Makerere University and a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in Kampala. He also obtained a law qualification from the University of Wolverhampton.
Ali began his military career after being commissioned as a second lieutenant and serving as the officer in charge of training at the Uganda Paratrooper School in 1969.
He was involved in the 1971 coup that overthrew President Milton Obote and brought Idi Amin to power. During Amin's government, Ali rose through the ranks and served as Minister of Finance.
Following later political changes, Ali returned to national leadership under Museveni's government, eventually becoming First Deputy Prime Minister. He also served in Parliament from 2001 and was promoted to lieutenant general in 2003 before later attaining the rank of general in the Uganda People's Defence Force.
Although he lost both his parliamentary seat and ministerial position in 2006, Ali returned to Parliament in 2011 at the age of 72 and resumed Cabinet duties. He retained senior government positions through subsequent administrations, cementing his place as one of Uganda's longest-serving political leaders.
His death brings to an end a public career that spanned decades across Uganda's military, Parliament and Cabinet. President Museveni said the country would remember him for his service and contribution, adding: "We shall miss greatly his contribution."
