Gen. Moses Ali remembered as a statesman who bridged divides

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A sombre atmosphere engulfed Gaddafi National Mosque in Old Kampala on Sunday as hundreds of mourners from all walks of life gathered to offer Salatul Janazah and special prayers for the late Gen. Moses Ali, one of Uganda's longest-serving politicians and a respected elder statesman.

The prayers were led by the Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, assisted by the First Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa, and the Second Deputy Mufti, Sheikh Amil Muhammad Bukenya.

Government was represented by the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Lukia Nakadama, who attended alongside Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs minister Minsa Kabanda, security and veterans affairs state minister Huda Oleru, and other dignitaries.

Gen. Moses Ali died on July 18, 2026, at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala at the age of 87. He had served for a long time as the Member of Parliament for Adjumani West and remained one of the country's most influential political figures.

Special Cabinet session

During the prayers, Nakadama revealed that Cabinet will hold a special session on Monday (July 20) to honour the late general's extraordinary contribution to Uganda, describing the decision as unprecedented.

She said President Yoweri Museveni had granted Cabinet time to reflect on Gen. Ali's legacy and thanked him for according the veteran politician a state burial.

“This is the first time Cabinet is holding a special session to honour someone who has passed on. Usually, such tributes are reserved for Parliament,” Nakadama said.

She described Gen. Ali as a unifier whose influence transcended religion, politics and ethnicity, saying he worked tirelessly to promote harmony among Ugandans.

According to Nakadama, the late general was a respected voice for the Muslim community in both Cabinet and Parliament, earning the trust of President Museveni through his wisdom, honesty and unwavering commitment to national development.

“Gen. Ali was a dependable leader who always stood by his word. He strongly believed in education and even returned to school later in life to study law,” she said.

She recalled how colleagues often joked with him about pursuing a law degree at an advanced age, but he would simply smile and reply that he wanted to "die a lawyer."

Nakadama also noted that Gen. Ali had built lasting friendships for Uganda across the world and urged his children to preserve the values and legacy he leaves behind.

Delivering his tribute, Mufti Mubajje described Gen. Ali as a hero who served both Islam and Uganda with distinction.

“The Muslim community has lost a courageous and dependable leader who represented us fairly in government. He remained firm in his faith and never tolerated anything that went against Islamic values,” the Mufti said.

He described the deceased as a resilient soldier and committed Pan-Africanist who continued serving his country despite declining health.

Mubajje also shared a personal story that drew smiles from mourners. He recalled a time when Gen. Ali sought his counsel before reporting some officials to the President over a disagreement.

“I read to him verses from the Holy Qur'an about forgiveness, but he insisted he would report them. Later, he reflected on the advice and chose forgiveness instead,” Mubajje said.

He thanked the family for standing by Gen. Ali throughout his final years as his health deteriorated.

A family tribute

Speaking on behalf of the family, Ismael Musa Ali said his father had recently developed health complications and was admitted to Nakasero Hospital, where doctors did all they could before he passed away on Saturday.

He thanked the government for the support extended to the family during the difficult period.

Despite his demanding public life, Ismael said his father always made time for his family.

“Every Saturday he visited us and always followed up on all his children, including those studying abroad. He deeply valued family,” he said.

He added that Gen. Ali was passionate about educating girls and constantly encouraged his daughters and other young women in the community to pursue education. Beyond politics, he loved sports and always found time to participate in different games.

Holding back emotion, Ismael appealed to mourners to forgive his father for any wrongs he may have committed.

“If our father ever wronged you, we ask for your forgiveness. If he ever made you proud, we pray you keep that memory alive,” he said.

Uganda Muslim Supreme Council secretary general Abbas Mulubya Ssekyanzi described Gen. Ali as a humble statesman who faithfully served both Allah and his country.

He recalled that the late general was among the delegation that travelled to Pakistan to lobby for the establishment of the Islamic University in Uganda, an institution that has since educated thousands of students.

“We shall remember Gen. Ali as a true friend of the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council and a leader who remained humble despite his achievements,” Ssekyanzi said.

Speaking on behalf of friends, Capt. Mike Mukula hailed Gen. Ali's contribution to Uganda's liberation struggle and national development, noting that he worked closely with President Museveni and also partnered with former Libyan leader Col. Muammar Gaddafi in supporting the construction of Gaddafi National Mosque.

He also recalled the general's resilience, saying he once survived a life-threatening blood clot following surgery at Mulago Hospital, a testament to the strength that defined much of his life.