The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, has praised the people of West Nile for producing one of Uganda’s most distinguished leaders and commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for ensuring that Gen. Moses Ali received a dignified state burial befitting his decades of service to the country.
Speaking during the official burial ceremony of Gen. Ali at his ancestral home in Adjumani District, where she chaired the National Organising Committee for the state funeral, Babalanda said the massive turnout and smooth organisation of the burial reflected the immense respect and admiration Ugandans had for the veteran statesman.
She said the honour accorded to Gen. Ali was earned through a lifetime of exemplary leadership, discipline and dedicated service to Uganda.
Babalanda credited the people of West Nile for nurturing a leader whose influence extended far beyond the region, describing Gen. Ali as a national icon whose contribution to peace, stability and development helped shape modern Uganda.
According to the minister, the unity, solidarity and affection displayed by the people of West Nile during both Gen. Ali’s public service and the mourning period demonstrated the strong bond he maintained with his community throughout his life.
“Today, our nation bids farewell to one of its greatest patriots, a statesman who devoted his whole life to serving Uganda with courage, wisdom and unwavering commitment. The overwhelming love you have shown your ‘Lion Son’ in life and in death is a testimony to the lasting bond he forged with his people,” Babalanda said.
She also paid tribute to President Museveni for granting Gen. Ali a state funeral and standing with the bereaved family throughout the mourning period.
Babalanda described President Museveni and the late Gen. Ali as longtime friends, brothers and comrades whose relationship spanned decades of public service and nation building, saying the President’s decision to personally honour his longtime colleague demonstrated loyalty and respect.
The minister further thanked members of the National Organising Committee, security agencies, local leaders, religious institutions, volunteers and all individuals who contributed to the funeral arrangements.
She said their dedication ensured that Uganda accorded Gen. Ali the honour befitting his status as one of the country’s longest serving public servants.
Babalanda also appreciated Parliament for holding a special tribute sitting in honour of the late general and supporting the burial arrangements, saying the gesture reflected the respect Gen. Ali commanded across the political divide.
She equally applauded Cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament for standing with Gen. Ali throughout his years in public service and for paying tribute to his patriotism, humility and selfless commitment to the nation.
The minister extended condolences to the Muslim community, led by the Mufti of Uganda, describing Gen. Ali as a respected statesman, peacemaker and champion of development whose death had created a significant void.
She urged Ugandans to preserve the values that defined Gen. Ali’s life by promoting national unity, patriotism and selfless service.
“As we lay Gen. Moses Ali to rest today, let us remember that while great leaders depart, the values they lived for endure. The greatest tribute we can pay him is to preserve our unity, work hard for our country and serve Uganda with the same dedication that defined his remarkable life,” she said.
Babalanda concluded by praying for Allah to grant Gen. Ali eternal peace, comfort his family and continue blessing Uganda.
Gen. Moses Ali, one of Uganda’s longest serving political and military leaders, was laid to rest at his ancestral home in Adjumani following a state funeral attended by President Museveni, senior government officials, Members of Parliament, religious and cultural leaders, and thousands of mourners from across the country.
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