The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has joined the nation in mourning the veteran statesman, lawyer, and former First Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali, who died on Saturday at the age of 87.
In a condolence message issued on behalf of the legal fraternity, ULS President Senior Counsel Isaac Kimaze Ssemakadde has described Gen. Ali as an exceptional public servant whose life embodied resilience, patriotism, humility, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning.
Ssemakadde, who studied Ali at Mawithkerere University School of Law and at Law Development Centre, recalled the late general’s remarkable academic journey, noting that he enrolled for a Bachelor of Laws degree at the age of 64, graduated in 2008, and was called to the Bar at the age of 73.
According to Ssemakadde, Gen. Ali’s pursuit of legal education demonstrated that learning has no age limit and inspired many of his classmates and younger lawyers.
“He joined law school at the remarkable age of 64 and was called to the Bar at 73, a powerful demonstration of his extraordinary resilience, intellectual ability, unwavering commitment, and dedication to lifelong learning,” Ssemakadde said.
One of the unique aspects of Gen. Ali’s legal education was that he attended classes alongside his son, Ahmed Kassim, an experience that fellow students described as both inspiring and symbolic of his belief in education and family.
Ssemakadde said that despite being one of Uganda’s most senior political and military figures, Gen. Ali conducted himself like any other student during his university years.
“He was simply one of us, learning on equal footing with the rest of the students. There was no rank, no bodyguard and no gun in sight,” he noted.
Beyond the classroom, Gen. Ali was credited with enriching academic discussions by inviting senior public officials to interact with law students on contemporary public policy and governance issues.
hose who addressed students at his invitation included the late PS/ Treasury Secretary to the Treasury, Keith Muhakanizi, and former Commissioner for Land Registration Sarah Kulata Basangwa.
Ssemakadde said the sessions exposed students to practical governance issues beyond the traditional law curriculum and broadened their understanding of public administration.
In addition to his legal career, Gen. Ali was remembered as a prolific author and historian. His book, The Odyssey of the Nubi: From Soldiers of the British Empire to Full Citizens in Uganda, documents the history, struggles, and contribution of Uganda’s Nubi community.
The Uganda Law Society also recognized Gen. Ali’s role in promoting peace and stability in the West Nile sub-region, where he served for decades as a military commander, mediator, and political leader.
Ssemakadde noted that although Gen. Ali was involved in several legal disputes, including defamation cases that he lost against the Daily Monitor newspaper and former East Moyo MP Santos Eruaga Pino, he remained committed to resolving disagreements through legal processes rather than force.
“The General who commanded armies never once used them against his critics,” he observed.
ULS President Ssemakadde also recalled Gen. Ali’s support during his campaigns for the Uganda Law Society presidency, saying the veteran leader mobilized advocates serving in Parliament and worked to build unity within the legal profession.
Ssemakadde further highlighted the role of Gen. Ali’s family in his public life, noting that in his later years his son Bashir Musa frequently accompanied him and assisted in communicating his views, while another son, Siraj Ali, a Senior Advocate and former member of the Tax Appeals Tribunal, has continued the family’s tradition of public service through his appointment as a Cabinet minister.
Describing Gen. Ali as a gentleman who combined military, political, legal practice, with scholarship, Ssemakadde said his legacy will continue to inspire generations of lawyers and public servants.
“He taught by example, his humility, patriotism, dedication to the legal profession, and commitment to documenting our shared history have left an indelible mark on all who knew him,” he said.
On behalf of the ULS, Ssemakadde extended condolences to Gen. Ali’s family, his classmates, the people of West Nile, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, Parliament, and the wider Ugandan public.
Gen. Moses Ali served Uganda in various capacities over several decades, including as a senior military officer, Cabinet minister, and Member of Parliament. The 87-year-old passed on at Nakasero Hospital on Saturday after battling illnesses for long-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
