President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid glowing tribute to the late Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, describing him as a dedicated patriot, freedom fighter, and peacemaker who played a vital role in Uganda’s stability and the development of the West Nile region.

The President made the remarks on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, during a eulogy at Parliament ahead of a special session to honour the former First Deputy Prime Minister and long-time MP for Adjumani West County.

Senior government officials, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Speaker Jacob Oboth, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, joined the bereaved family to lay wreaths and sign the condolence book.

Museveni highlighted three key aspects of the late General’s contributions: his love for freedom, commitment to peace, and focus on development.

“I was able to hear and see three elements of his contribution to Uganda,” President Museveni said.

“He was a lover of freedom, peacemaker, a development person.”

The President recalled how Moses Ali quietly opposed the brutality and excesses of Idi Amin’s regime in the 1970s, which led to his removal from government shortly before the fall of Kampala.

“I heard that Moses Ali was not happy with Idi Amin’s power. I heard that Moses Ali was not happy with Idi Amin killing people,” Museveni noted.

Reflecting on the liberation struggle, the President mentioned his first encounter with Moses Ali in Libya in 1981.

He praised the late leader for choosing cooperation over rivalry. This approach proved crucial in 1985–1986 when Moses Ali, leading the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), facilitated a peaceful withdrawal as the National Resistance Army (NRA) advanced on Kampala, helping to prevent further bloodshed.

“I agreed with Moses Ali that the UNRF people… pulled out slowly,” Museveni explained.

“They didn’t fight us when we were entering Kampala. That’s how our cooperation started.”

In later years, Gen. Moses Ali focused on advocating for infrastructure improvements in West Nile, pushing successfully for tarmac roads, rural electrification, and compensation for veterans.

With nearly six decades of service in military and cabinet positions, Gen. Moses Ali left a lasting legacy as one of Uganda’s most experienced parliamentarians and peace builders.