Uganda's oldest MP Gen Moses Ali dies aged 87

Gen Moses Ali, one of Uganda's longest-serving politicians and military officers, has died, prompting an outpouring of tributes led by President Yoweri Museveni.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Museveni confirmed that the former Second Deputy Prime Minister died at Nakasero Hospital at 4pm.

"It is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of our brother Gen Moses Ali. He died today at Nakasero Hospital at 1600 hours," Museveni said.

The President praised Ali for dedicating decades of his life to Uganda through military and political leadership, saying his influence extended far beyond government service.

"Gen Moses Ali has provided service to his country for a long time, as a soldier and a political leader," Museveni said.

Museveni also hailed Ali's contribution to agriculture, describing him as a successful modern farmer who inspired many people in Uganda's West Nile region.

Ali served as Uganda's Second Deputy Prime Minister from 2021 until he died in 2026. He previously served as First Deputy Prime Minister from 2016 to 2021 and Third Deputy Prime Minister from 2011 to 2016.

He also served as Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament and remained an influential figure in the House for many years.

He represented East Moyo County in Adjumani District from 2011 before winning the Adjumani West parliamentary seat in the 2026 General Election.

After being sworn in on May 13, 2026, he joined the Parliamentary Committee on ICT and National Guidance and the Committee on Subsidiary Legislation.

A Cabinet reshuffle later that month saw Museveni appoint Crispus Kiyonga as Second Deputy Prime Minister, replacing Ali.

During the same reshuffle, Ali's son, Siraj Musa Ali, was appointed Minister of Works and Transport.

Born on April 5, 1939, in Adjumani District, Ali built a distinguished career in the military, law and politics.

His military career began in 1969 when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant and appointed officer in charge of training at the Uganda Paratrooper School.

He later took part in the 1971 coup that brought Idi Amin to power and went on to serve as Minister of Finance under Amin's administration.

Following the political transition, Ali returned to government under Museveni. He was elected to Parliament in 2001, promoted to lieutenant general in 2003 and later attained the rank of general in the Uganda People's Defence Force.

Although he lost both his parliamentary seat and Cabinet position in 2006, Ali made a political comeback in 2011 at the age of 72, reclaiming his parliamentary seat and returning to Cabinet.