Adjumani Brought To A Standstill As Thousands Bid Farewell To Gen. Moses Ali

By Swift Reporter

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 funeral attracted senior government officials, military commanders, cultural leaders, religious figures and members of the public who turned up to pay their final respects to the former Second Deputy Prime Minister and longtime Member of Parliament for Adjumani West.

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 by a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) funeral procession to Paridi Stadium for the official state ceremony.

At Paridi Stadium, the casket, draped in the Ugandan national flag, was carried by UPDF officers as mourners stood in silence to honour the veteran statesman, whose public service spanned more than five decades.

Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo attended the ceremony as the chief mourner, representing President Yoweri Museveni. She was joined by Deputy Speaker of Parliament 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 leaders.

The official burial ceremony commenced with a special joint council sitting chaired by Adjumani District Speaker Rokani Moses Simba, during which leaders reflected on Gen. Moses Ali’s contribution to Uganda’s political stability, peace-building 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 honour the fallen leader.

Earlier in the day, mourners gathered at the family’s ancestral home in Abirichaku Cell for a final viewing and Janaza prayers before proceeding to the stadium.

The atmosphere across Adjumani Town remained subdued as many businesses stayed closed in honour of the late general, with residents lining roads leading to the funeral venue to witness the final journey of one of West Nile’s most influential leaders.

On Tuesday, Gen. Moses Ali’s body lay in state at Parliament in Kampala, where President Museveni, Members of Parliament, Cabinet ministers and other dignitaries paid their last respects before the body was transported to Adjumani for burial.

Following the official ceremony at Paridi Stadium, the late Gen. Moses Ali was laid to rest at Takwa Muslim Cemetery with full military honours.