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Remembering Gen. Moses Ali’s enduring service
Gen. Ali’s tenure in the Cabinet and his service in the august House were characterised by a profound sense of institutional discipline. As a seasoned MP and deputy prime minister, he brought more than just experience to the table; he brought a unique, stabilising character.
Moses Nkesiga. (Courtesy)
By: Admin ., Journalist @New Vision
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OPINION
By Moses Nkesiga
The passing of Gen. Moses Ali is not merely a moment of mourning for his family or his kin in West Nile; it is a solemn inflection point for Uganda. As we reflect on his long and storied career, we must recognise his contribution not just as a military leader, but as an essential pillar of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s architecture of peace and reconciliation.
In the history of our liberation and subsequent nation-building, a few figures have embodied the spirit of the NRM’s inclusive governance as effectively as Gen. Ali. His journey from the complexities of the early post-independence era to his role as a senior statesman under President Yoweri Museveni serves as a blueprint for NRM’s policy of integration. By choosing the path of dialogue and constructive state participation over conflict, the general became a vital bridge in the NRM’s efforts to achieve lasting peace in northern Uganda.
Gen. Ali’s tenure in the Cabinet and his service in the august House were characterised by a profound sense of institutional discipline. As a seasoned MP and deputy prime minister, he brought more than just experience to the table; he brought a unique, stabilising character. His ability to navigate the shifting currents of our legislative landscape ensured that the NRM’s ideological foundation remained firm even during periods of intense political discourse. He understood, as all true cadres do, that the strength of our Government lies in the coherence of its leadership and the unwavering commitment to the mandate of the yellow flag.
The push for agriculture
Beyond the halls of power, Gen. Ali was a champion of farming, demonstrating that Uganda’s economic salvation lies in the land. As a farmer in the West Nile sub-region, he did not just cultivate crops; he cultivated potential, showing his people that agricultural productivity is the cornerstone of sustainable youth empowerment. He understood that for our youth to thrive, they must be transitioned from mere job seekers into productive stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
His own commitment to large-scale farming served as a practical blueprint for rural development, proving that with discipline and the right policy environment, our youth can secure their own financial future. His legacy in the fields of West Nile remains an inspiration for our national push towards wealth creation and industrialisation. Throughout his life, Gen. Ali mirrored the qualities that the President demands of a dedicated cadre: loyalty, endurance and a refusal to allow personal ambition to eclipse the collective good of the state. He stood as a reminder that the NRM is not merely a party, but a movement that values historical continuity. His commitment to the growth of our democratic institutions and his mentorship of younger leaders within the movement will continue to bear fruit long after his departure.
Gen. Ali’s tenure in the Cabinet and his service in the august House were characterised by a profound sense of institutional discipline. As a seasoned MP and deputy prime minister, he brought more than just experience to the table; he brought a unique, stabilising character. His ability to navigate the shifting currents of our legislative landscape ensured that the NRM’s ideological foundation remained firm even during periods of intense political discourse. He understood, as all true cadres do, that the strength of our Government lies in the coherence of its leadership and the unwavering commitment to the mandate of the yellow flag.
The push for agriculture
Beyond the halls of power, Gen. Ali was a champion of farming, demonstrating that Uganda’s economic salvation lies in the land. As a farmer in the West Nile sub-region, he did not just cultivate crops; he cultivated potential, showing his people that agricultural productivity is the cornerstone of sustainable youth empowerment. He understood that for our youth to thrive, they must be transitioned from mere job seekers into productive stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.
His own commitment to large-scale farming served as a practical blueprint for rural development, proving that with discipline and the right policy environment, our youth can secure their own financial future. His legacy in the fields of West Nile remains an inspiration for our national push towards wealth creation and industrialisation. Throughout his life, Gen. Ali mirrored the qualities that the President demands of a dedicated cadre: loyalty, endurance and a refusal to allow personal ambition to eclipse the collective good of the state. He stood as a reminder that the NRM is not merely a party, but a movement that values historical continuity. His commitment to the growth of our democratic institutions and his mentorship of younger leaders within the movement will continue to bear fruit long after his departure.
Unity in the face of loss
As we bid farewell to this distinguished patriot, let us honour his memory by renewing our own commitment to the prosperity, security, and harmony of Uganda. The most fitting tribute we can offer such a giant is to work with the same tenacity and discipline he demonstrated throughout his decades of service. His passing reminds us that while we may come from different regions and diverse backgrounds, we are bound by the same national thread of progress. Let us use this moment to bridge any remaining divides, fostering a spirit of togetherness that transcends partisan lines, for a united Uganda is the greatest testament to the peace he fought so hard to secure.
The 12th Parliament and the NRM fraternity continue to stand united under the vision of President Museveni, building upon the foundations laid by veterans like Gen. Ali. His chapter in our national story is closed, but the values he upheld — dedication to the state, the pursuit of reconciliation, and unshakeable loyalty to the liberation struggle — remain the guiding principles of our nation’s future.
For God and my country.
The writer is the NRM chairperson of Kiruhura district
As we bid farewell to this distinguished patriot, let us honour his memory by renewing our own commitment to the prosperity, security, and harmony of Uganda. The most fitting tribute we can offer such a giant is to work with the same tenacity and discipline he demonstrated throughout his decades of service. His passing reminds us that while we may come from different regions and diverse backgrounds, we are bound by the same national thread of progress. Let us use this moment to bridge any remaining divides, fostering a spirit of togetherness that transcends partisan lines, for a united Uganda is the greatest testament to the peace he fought so hard to secure.
The 12th Parliament and the NRM fraternity continue to stand united under the vision of President Museveni, building upon the foundations laid by veterans like Gen. Ali. His chapter in our national story is closed, but the values he upheld — dedication to the state, the pursuit of reconciliation, and unshakeable loyalty to the liberation struggle — remain the guiding principles of our nation’s future.
For God and my country.
The writer is the NRM chairperson of Kiruhura district