Winnie Kiiza Remembers Gen Moses Ali’s Humour and Public Service

What the report says

Nile Post reports that former Leader of the Opposition Winnie Kiiza has joined leaders paying tribute to the late Gen. Moses Ali, remembering him as a long-serving public official whose humour often surfaced even in tense political moments. In a condolence message, Kiiza offered sympathy to Ali’s family, friends and colleagues after his death at Nakasero Hospital on Saturday.

Kiiza recalled working with Ali during parliamentary oversight engagements linked to the protection of Zoka Forest Reserve and efforts to address the protracted Apaa land dispute. She also pointed to a parliamentary exchange during the COVID-19 period, when she criticised the quality of beans distributed by government as relief food. According to the report, Ali replied in a joking manner, an episode Kiiza said reflected his approachable and light-hearted style during serious debates.

The report places Kiiza’s tribute within a wider round of mourning for Ali, who was born in Adjumani District in 1939 and became one of Uganda’s most prominent political figures from the West Nile sub-region. Nile Post notes that he served as Finance Minister under Idi Amin, later led the Uganda National Rescue Front against Milton Obote’s government, and eventually reached a peace arrangement with President Yoweri Museveni’s National Resistance Movement after it took power in 1986.

Ali later held senior government posts, including in disaster preparedness and refugees, and served for decades as MP for Adjumani West County. Nile Post says a parliamentary sitting was held in his honour before the cortege proceeded to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for public viewing, ahead of burial in Adjumani District.