President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni joined Members of Parliament and other national leaders in paying tribute to the late Rt. Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali during a special parliamentary sitting held in his honour.

The sitting brought together current and former legislators, government officials and opposition leaders to celebrate the life and public service of one of Uganda's longest-serving political and military figures.

President Museveni described Gen. Moses Ali as a freedom fighter, peacemaker and development champion whose lifelong service strengthened national unity and transformed lives, particularly in the West Nile sub-region.

Speaking during the special sitting, the President praised the late leader's commitment to freedom, peace through dialogue and socio-economic transformation. He also urged leaders to build on his legacy by advancing household wealth creation and sustainable development.

President Museveni said the late general had made an important contribution to Uganda's history.

"He rejected the brutality of Idi Amin's regime, worked with us in the struggle for freedom, promoted peace and remained committed to the development of West Nile," Museveni said.

The President added that Gen. Moses Ali understood the close relationship between peace and development, calling on leaders in West Nile and across the country to continue working towards raising household incomes and achieving prosperity.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa who joined parliamentary leaders in receiving the remains of the former First Deputy Prime Minister ahead of the special sitting said that Parliament resolved to celebrate Gen. Moses Ali's enduring legacy and his more than five decades of service in Uganda's military and public life. 

Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda described Gen. Moses Ali as an outstanding patriot, distinguished soldier, accomplished statesman and dedicated public servant whose contribution to Uganda spanned more than five decades.

She said he faithfully served the people of West Nile in Parliament for over 20 years, first representing East Moyo County before later serving as Member of Parliament for Adjumani West until his death.

Babalanda said Parliament would miss his institutional memory, wise counsel and measured approach to debate, adding that his ability to foster consensus earned him respect across the political divide.

During the sitting, Arua District Woman MP Lillian Paparu said Gen. Moses Ali served in the military, civil service and public office for many years without being linked to corruption scandals.

Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi also paid tribute, saying public service is one of the noblest callings because it demands sacrifice, resilience and commitment. He said Gen. Moses Ali deserved respect and gratitude for dedicating much of his life to serving Uganda.

Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze shared a personal recollection, revealing that she nominated Gen. Moses Ali for the Speakership in 2021, after which he called to ask why she had not consulted him before making the nomination.

Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth Oboth, according to remarks shared by Parliament, commended the large turnout at the special sitting. He noted that the event attracted an unusually high number of former Members of Parliament who had come to pay their last respects to the former Deputy Prime Minister.

Gen. Moses Ali died on July 18 at the age of 87 while undergoing treatment at Nakasero Hospital. He served Uganda in both military and civilian leadership for more than five decades and is widely remembered for his contributions to peace, public service and the development of the West Nile region.