Hundreds of mourners gathered at Gaddafi National Mosque in Old Kampala on Sunday, July 19, 2026, for funeral prayers in memory of Gen. (Rtd) Moses Ali.
The Salatul Janazah prayers were led by the Mufti of Uganda, Dr Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubaje, assisted by Deputy Mufti Sheikh Muhammad Ali Waiswa and Second Deputy Mufti Dr Sheikh Hafiz Muhammad Harunah Bukenya. The Uganda Muslim Supreme Council identifies the three clerics as the current members of the Office of the Mufti.
The Government was represented by Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama, Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Minister Minsa Kabanda and the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Huda Oleru, among other officials.
Nakadama told mourners that Cabinet was expected to hold a special session on Monday, July 20, to reflect on Ali’s contribution to Uganda.
She described the planned meeting as unusual, saying formal tributes to deceased national leaders were normally conducted in Parliament.
Nakadama thanked President Yoweri Museveni for granting the former deputy prime minister an official burial and giving Cabinet an opportunity to consider his military, political and public-service legacy.
She described Ali as a leader who promoted unity across religious, ethnic and political differences.
Nakadama also recalled Ali’s determination to pursue legal studies later in life. She said colleagues sometimes joked about his decision to study law at an advanced age, but he remained committed to completing his education and becoming a lawyer.
Ali studied law at Makerere University before proceeding to the Law Development Centre for a Diploma in Legal Practice.
Mufti praises Ali’s service
In his tribute, Mubaje described Ali as a dependable leader who served both Uganda and the Muslim community.
He said Ali remained committed to his Islamic faith while using his positions in government to represent the interests of Muslims and other Ugandans.
The Mufti also recalled occasions when Ali sought religious guidance while handling disagreements with public officials.
According to Mubaje, Ali once considered reporting several officials to President Museveni following a dispute. The Mufti advised him to reflect on Quranic teachings about forgiveness, and Ali later decided not to pursue the matter.
Mubaje praised Ali for being willing to reconsider his decisions and resolve disagreements peacefully.
He also thanked Ali’s relatives for caring for him as his health declined.
Before the funeral prayers, the Uganda Muslim Supreme Council had described Ali as a statesman, patriot and longstanding supporter of the Muslim community whose service would be remembered by Ugandans.
Family remembers devoted father
Speaking on behalf of the family, Ismael Musa Ali said his father developed health complications and was admitted to Nakasero Hospital, where doctors cared for him until his death on Saturday, July 18.
He thanked the Government, medical workers, religious leaders and members of the public for supporting the family.
Ismael said that despite his demanding military and political responsibilities, Ali remained involved in the lives of his children.
He regularly visited family members, remained in contact with children studying abroad and closely followed their welfare and education.
The family also remembered him as a strong supporter of girls’ education. Ismael said his father encouraged his daughters and other young women to continue with their studies and pursue professional careers.
Outside politics, Ali enjoyed sports and participated in several physical activities whenever his schedule allowed.
Uganda Muslim Supreme Council secretary general Abbas Muluubya Ssekyanzi described Ali as a humble statesman who served his faith and country.
Capt. Mike Mukula, speaking on behalf of Ali’s friends, praised his role in Uganda’s political history, peacebuilding and national development.
Ali died aged 87 after a military and political career spanning more than five decades. He previously served as First, Second and Third Deputy Prime Minister and held several ministerial positions under different governments.
He left Cabinet in May 2026 but remained the Member of Parliament for Adjumani West, having taken the oath as a member of the 12th Parliament on May 13, 2026.
The Office of the Prime Minister said his departure from Cabinet brought to an end more than 50 years of active public service.