Emotional tributes poured in at Parliament today as the body of veteran statesman Gen. Hon. Moses Ali lay in state, before being airlifted to Adjumani District ahead of his burial tomorrow, Wednesday, July 23, 2026.
The special parliamentary session formed the climax of the day's programme, honouring a man who served Uganda for over five decades as a soldier, lawyer, minister, and legislator. President Yoweri Museveni, Speaker Anita Among, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, Minister Balaam Barugahara, Hon. Betty Nambooze, Speaker-designate Oboth Oboth Jacob, and many others paid heartfelt respects.
President Museveni's tribute. President Museveni, who laid a wreath on the casket, recalled Gen. Ali's courageous history. "I was the first man to oppose Idi Amin," the President stated, highlighting Ali's early resistance and long service to the nation.
Parliamentary tributes. Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi honoured Gen. Ali's five decades of public service while using the occasion to raise concerns about the rule of law, abductions, and unlawful detentions, urging the President to rein in security agencies. Hon. Betty Nambooze remembered Gen. Ali's humility, recalling the day she contested for Speaker against him and noting that despite the competition, he remained respectful and a true "man of the people." Speaker Oboth Oboth recalled Gen. Ali's sense of humour and love for joking, lightening the mood even in serious moments, while Minister Balaam Barugahara and other leaders also delivered moving tributes praising his dedication and legacy.
The tributes painted a picture of Gen. Ali as a principled, humorous, and resilient statesman who bridged divides and served with distinction across different regimes.
Journey to final rest. Following the parliamentary session and ceremony at Kololo Airstrip, the body was airlifted to the West Nile region and has now arrived in Adjumani, where it will spend the night before the final rites tomorrow. Wednesday's programme includes a special gathering at Paridi Stadium in the morning involving the 15 districts of West Nile, Janaza prayer at Abirichaku at 3:00 PM, and burial at his ancestral home at 4:00 PM.
Born in 1939, Gen. Moses Ali served as Second Deputy Prime Minister, MP for Adjumani West, and held several other senior positions. His death at Nakasero Hospital on July 18 has left a significant void in Uganda's political landscape, particularly in the West Nile sub-region. As the nation bids farewell, King Musah Media extends deepest condolences to the family, the people of Adjumani, and all who knew and worked with this remarkable leader. May his soul rest in eternal peace. King Musah Media will continue to bring you live updates from Adjumani tomorrow.