HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The burial of veteran Ugandan politician and former First Deputy Prime Minister Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 22, 2026, with government announcing a full official burial in recognition of his decades of public service.
The tentative burial programme released by government outlines a series of state and religious ceremonies that will culminate in his burial at Abirichaku in Adjumani District on Wednesday afternoon.
State Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda announced that President Yoweri Museveni had approved official state honours for the former Adjumani West Member of Parliament, describing the arrangements as a fitting tribute to one of Uganda’s longest-serving political and military leaders.
Babalanda said the National Organising Committee was working closely with the family to coordinate the funeral programme and ensure a dignified send-off.
Gen. Moses Ali died on July 18, 2026, at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala at the age of 87 after a period of declining health. President Museveni confirmed his passing and led national tributes, describing him as a distinguished soldier, seasoned political leader and exemplary farmer whose contribution to Uganda’s development would be remembered for generations.
Family members, friends and supporters have continued to gather to pay their final respects. On Sunday, Janaza prayers were held at Old Kampala Mosque at 10 a.m., followed by another session at Kibuli Mosque at noon before the final prayers of the day at Naguru Mosque at 4 p.m. After the prayers, the body was taken to his residence in Naguru, where mourners continued to gather.
The official state funeral programme begins on Monday, July 20, when Gen. Moses Ali’s body will be taken to Parliament at 10 a.m. for a special sitting in honour of the former legislator and cabinet minister.
From Parliament, the body will be transported to Kololo Airstrip for an official state funeral ceremony beginning at 1 p.m., where President Museveni is expected to preside as the chief mourner alongside senior government officials, military leaders, diplomats and members of the public.
Following the Kololo ceremony, the remains will be flown to Yumbe for Janaza prayers before being airlifted to neighbouring Adjumani District, where the body will spend the night ahead of the final burial rites.
On Wednesday, mourners from across the West Nile sub-region are expected to converge at Paridi Stadium for a public memorial gathering involving representatives from all 15 districts in the region. The ceremony is intended to celebrate Gen. Moses Ali’s contribution to the region and the country during his long career in public service.
The body will later be taken to Abirichaku, where Janaza prayers are scheduled for 3 p.m. before burial at 4 p.m.
Gen. Moses Ali leaves behind one of Uganda’s most remarkable and complex political legacies. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he served as Finance Minister and Interior Minister during the Idi Amin administration before leading the Uganda National Rescue Front rebel movement during the 1980s.
Following reconciliation with President Museveni’s government, he became one of the National Resistance Movement’s most prominent leaders, serving in several cabinet positions, including as Second Deputy Prime Minister and later First Deputy Prime Minister.
He also represented Adjumani West in Parliament for many years, remaining an influential figure in Uganda’s politics and the development of the West Nile region until his retirement from elective politics.
About the Author
