Uganda on Wednesday bid a solemn farewell to Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali, one of the country’s longest-serving political and military leaders, as thousands of mourners gathered in Adjumani District for his official state burial.
The day’s proceedings began with Janaza prayers at Takwa, where family members, relatives and members of the Muslim community gathered to pray for the deceased before his body was transported in a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) funeral procession to Paridi Stadium for the official state ceremony.
At the stadium, the casket, draped in the Ugandan national flag, was carried by UPDF officers as mourners observed a moment of silence in honour of the veteran statesman, whose public service spanned more than five decades.
Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, representing President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, attended the ceremony as the chief mourner. She was joined by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara, Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda, Minister for Kampala Minsa Kabanda, Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, and several other government officials and dignitaries.
The official ceremony included a special joint council sitting chaired by Adjumani District Speaker Rokani Moses Simba, during which leaders paid tribute to Gen. Moses Ali’s contribution to Uganda’s peace, political stability and national development.
Traditional leaders, including His Royal Highness Alia Angelo of the Lugbara Kari Kingdom and Opi Abakole Tair of Obongi Chiefdom, also attended the ceremony to pay their final respects.
Earlier, mourners had gathered at the family’s ancestral home in Abirichaku Cell for a final viewing and Janaza prayers before proceeding to the state funeral.
A sombre mood engulfed Adjumani Town throughout the day, with many businesses remaining closed as residents lined the roads leading to the funeral venue to witness the final journey of one of West Nile’s most influential political figures.
Gen. Moses Ali, who died at the age of 87, served Uganda in various capacities as a military officer, Cabinet minister, Member of Parliament and former Second Deputy Prime Minister, leaving behind a legacy of more than five decades in public service.
