Uganda is mourning the death of veteran politician and retired military officer General Moses Ali, one of the country’s longest-serving public figures, whose passing comes just months after he won re-election in a contest that reignited national debate over candidate fitness for public office.
Tributes poured in from across Uganda following news of his death, with Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa describing the late Adjumani West MP as a father figure, mentor and statesman whose contribution to Uganda would be remembered for generations.
“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Rt. Hon. Gen. (Rtd.) Moses Ali… Uganda has lost a true giant whose legacy of selfless service, discipline and unwavering commitment to the nation will endure for generations,” Tayebwa said in a statement.
The Deputy Speaker said Ali played a crucial role in mentoring him during his early days as Government Chief Whip under the Office of the Prime Minister, where Ali served as Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business.
“I mourn a father figure and mentor who took me in as a son. His guidance and wisdom helped me settle in and grow into my role until my election as Deputy Speaker,” Tayebwa added.
He extended condolences to Ali’s family, President Yoweri Museveni, Parliament, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the people of Adjumani and Ugandans at large.
Veteran politician
Gen. Moses Ali was one of Uganda’s most enduring political figures, serving in several senior government positions over a career spanning more than five decades.
Before leaving Cabinet following the 2026 general election, he served as Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament, positions he held from 2021 until the new Cabinet was announced in May 2026.
Often referred to as the “Lion of Adjumani,” Ali remained one of the most influential leaders in the West Nile region and retained his parliamentary seat for Adjumani West in the 2026 elections.
Election sparked national debate
Ali’s victory in Uganda’s 2026 parliamentary elections came against the backdrop of intense public scrutiny over his health.
Videos and photographs circulated widely during the campaign showed the veteran politician appearing frail and requiring assistance during public appearances, prompting debate on social media and among civil society groups about whether he was medically fit to seek another term in office.
The controversy had begun even before the election.
In late 2025, activists filed a petition before Uganda’s Constitutional Court seeking to block Ali’s candidature, arguing that his visible frailty made him incapable of effectively performing the duties of a Member of Parliament. Court filings alleged he struggled to speak, write, and move without assistance.
Despite the legal challenge, Uganda’s Electoral Commission cleared his nomination, allowing him to contest the election. He subsequently won the Adjumani West parliamentary seat and was later sworn into the 12th Parliament in a subdued ceremony due to his health condition.
Ali defended his health
Throughout the campaign, Gen. Moses Ali rejected claims that he was unfit to continue serving.
Speaking to journalists in January 2026, the veteran politician dismissed reports that doctors had advised him to retire from politics, insisting he remained capable of carrying out his duties.
“I’m fit and still in the race,” Ali declared, describing reports about his health as politically motivated attempts to undermine his campaign.
His supporters argued that voters—not critics—should determine whether he deserved another term, while opponents maintained that public office required leaders capable of actively representing constituents.
Health concerns intensified
Concern over Ali’s health resurfaced this week after reports emerged that the 87-year-old had been admitted to Nakasero Hospital in Kampala.
Family members reportedly gathered at the hospital as his condition deteriorated, although relatives declined to comment publicly on his illness.
His death has now brought an end to one of Uganda’s longest political careers.
Legacy
Beyond the political debate surrounding his final election, Gen. Moses Ali is remembered as one of the country’s most influential post-independence leaders.
Over the decades, he served under different administrations and remained an influential figure in Uganda’s politics, particularly in the West Nile region.
The Office of the Prime Minister recently credited him with advancing government programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Operation Wealth Creation and Emyooga, while strengthening citizen engagement and championing development initiatives in Adjumani and beyond.
As Uganda mourns his passing, his final election victory is likely to remain part of a broader conversation about leadership, representation and the standards required for candidates seeking public office.
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