Uganda is mourning the death of Gen Moses Ali, one of the country's longest-serving political and military leaders whose career stretched from the Idi Amin era through armed rebellion and into nearly four decades of service under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
Ali died on Saturday at the age of 87 after being admitted to Nakasero Hospital with unspecified illnesses. His family said he had slipped into a coma before his death.
Former NRM national vice chairperson for Eastern Uganda Capt Mike Mukula confirmed the veteran leader's death, saying he passed away at around 4:45pm.
"It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I have recieved the sad news of the passing of my dear friend, distinguished patriot, freedom fighter and statesman, Gen Moses Ali who departded this life today at 4:25pm at Nakasero Hospital," Mukula said in a post on X.
Ali's death brings to a close one of the most remarkable public service careers in Uganda's history. Over several decades, he served as a soldier, cabinet minister, rebel leader, peace negotiator, deputy prime minister, legislator and senior government adviser, making him a key figure through some of the country's most defining political periods.
At the time of his death, Ali had only recently stepped away from active government. In May 2026, President Yoweri Museveni left him out of the new Cabinet on medical grounds after years of declining health. His son, Siraji Musa Ali, was later appointed Minister of State for Works and Transport.
Born on April 5, 1939, in Atabo Parish, Pakele Division, Adjumani District, Ali began his professional life as a teacher before joining the Uganda Army in 1968. He later trained in Israel and the United Kingdom and rose through the military ranks to become a Brigadier by 1974.
Following Idi Amin's seizure of power in January 1971, Ali emerged as one of the regime's most influential military and political figures. During that period, he held several senior cabinet positions, including Minister of Finance and later Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities.
After Amin's government fell in 1979, Ali fled to Sudan before returning to lead the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF), a rebel movement that fought successive governments in Kampala during the early 1980s. The conflict, largely concentrated in the West Nile region, left thousands displaced and caused widespread destruction.
When the NRM took power in 1986, President Museveni opened negotiations with several armed groups. Ali became one of the first rebel leaders to sign a peace agreement with the government, leading to the 1988 accord that integrated UNRF fighters into the national army. The agreement is widely credited with helping restore peace and stability in West Nile.
Ali later joined the NRM government and became one of Museveni's closest allies, serving in senior government positions for nearly 40 years. His roles included Deputy Prime Minister, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, and senior adviser on peace, security and northern Uganda affairs.
He also represented Adjumani West in Parliament for many years, maintaining a strong political base in the West Nile sub-region. In January 2026, he retained his parliamentary seat after securing 12,854 votes.
Throughout his years in public office, Ali remained actively involved in promoting reconciliation in northern Uganda and West Nile. Government officials often credited him with encouraging former fighters to embrace peace and supporting programmes that helped resettle communities displaced by conflict.
As Minister for Relief and Disaster Preparedness, he also oversaw Uganda's refugee policy during a period when the country became one of Africa's largest refugee-hosting nations, championing a settlement model that provides refugees with access to land, education and healthcare alongside host communities.
Although advancing age reduced his public engagements, Ali remained an influential figure in both government and military circles. Following the 2026 General Election, he asked President Museveni to excuse him from further Cabinet duties, citing his health.
His death marks the end of a public career that mirrored Uganda's political evolution, from military service and conflict to peacebuilding and national leadership.