West Nile mourns Moses Ali, the longest serving and iconic regional politician
Founder of the now-defunct Uganda National Rescue Front 1, Gen. Ali passed on at 4:25pm Saturday, July 18, at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala.
Mourners gather at the home of retired Gen. Moses Ali in Adjumani District to pay their respects. (Courtesy)
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A sombre mood has engulfed communities in different parts of the West Nile region following the death of former Second Deputy Prime Minister and Adjumani West legislator Gen. Moses Ali.
Founder of the now-defunct Uganda National Rescue Front 1, Gen. Ali passed on at 4:25pm Saturday, July 18, at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala.
As the news of his demise spread, huge numbers of mourners started a "pilgrim" to his residence in Abiricaku village, Biyaya parish in Adjumani district to console the family.
In several tributes, the 87-year-old politician has been described as a distinguished patriot, freedom fighter, and statesman.
In an interview with Arua One FM on Saturday, Adjumani RDC Shuabu Toko, while sending condolences to the family and entire West Nile region, promised to give timely updates from the government.
By press time, the government had yet to make an official statement on the passing on of Gen. Moses Ali.
Eulogies:
The West Nile Development Association (WENDA), in a statement issued by the Executive Director of WENDA, Moses Akuma, said West Nile and Uganda have lost a father, a statesman, a patriot, and a founding pillar of WENDA.
Former Moyo district Vice Chairperson Sam JB Asusi described Gen Ali as a defender of the Madi people and a hero.
Former Gender Minister Zoe Bakoko Bakoru said, “Our brightest light and candle has burned out, but his legacy will live on forever.
Bakoko said Gen. Ali’s memory will live on in West Nile, in Uganda and in the entire continent of Africa.
She said, Gen. Ali has been so instrumental in the development of the region.
Elly Asiku, the former MP for Koboko North County and a key figure in the defunct UNRF rebel group, said the demise of Gen Ali creates a huge gap for the people of West Nile.
He said, Gen. Ali has been the Cook for the region and a unifying factor.
Ashraf Noah Olega, the former MP of Aringa County and the chairman for Aringa Obongi Peace Initiative Committee (AROPIC), said, Gen. Ali was a mentor, hero and counsellor for the region.
By press time, the government was yet to make an official statement on the passing of Gen. Moses Ali.