Just recently, General Moses Ali was re‑elected to his parliamentary seat, making him the oldest elected politician in Uganda. Having served as Deputy Prime Minister as well as Minister of Finance, he brings vast experience in leadership and shows no signs of slowing down despite his advanced age.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Beyond politics, Gen. Moses Ali is also a devoted family man who has raised several children. In this segment, Umbea explores his family life and his career in leadership, including his military service.
Career
Born on April 5, 1939 in Meliaderi Village, Uganda, Moses Ali joined the army at a young age. He received advanced military training in the United Kingdom and Israel, and upon his return swiftly rose through the ranks—becoming a second lieutenant in 1969 and a brigadier by 1974.
Thanks to his experience, he was appointed to the Cabinet by then‑President Idi Amin, serving as Minister of Interior and later Minister of Finance. His time in government, however, was cut short after falling out with the regime, which led to the loss of his military privileges.
In 1979, following Amin’s fall, Gen. Moses Ali went into exile. He later resurfaced in the 1980s as leader of the Uganda National Rescue Front (UNRF) rebel group. Eventually, he reconciled with President Yoweri Museveni, and his fighters were integrated into the Uganda People’s Defence Force. This earned him the rank of Major General in Museveni’s government. He was later promoted to Lieutenant General in 2003 and to Full General in 2012.
Political Career
In leadership, General Moses Ali has held several Cabinet positions, including:
- Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities
- Minister of Finance
- Minister of Internal Affairs
- Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees
He first entered Parliament in 1996 as MP for East Moyo Constituency. Over the years, he has also served multiple stints as Deputy Prime Minister—in 2003, from 2011 to 2016, and again from 2016 to 2021.
At 86 years old, Gen. Moses Ali is now the oldest elected Member of Parliament in Uganda, having retained his seat in the 2025 general election.
Family Life
The veteran lawmaker is a father of 30 children and has been officially married to four wives. Sadly, one of his wives passed away a few years ago.
According to reports by the Monitor, Moses Ali is a loving father and husband who often encourages his children and relatives to prioritize education in today’s competitive world. His wife Sarah described him as a brave and hardworking man who never gives up:
“He is a generous husband and cares for his family members, including outsiders, and he has been helpful to many people, including some prominent young politicians in the region,” she said.
Despite his advanced age, Sarah added, Moses Ali continues to generate new ideas and has remained loyal to the government.
Life Beyond Politics
After losing his parliamentary seat in 2006, Gen. Moses Ali turned to farming, a passion he had nurtured since 1974. This period also allowed him to spend more time with his family while pursuing law studies—further proof of his resilience and commitment to personal growth.
General Moses Ali’s journey reflects a remarkable blend of military service, political leadership, and family devotion. His longevity in Uganda’s political landscape underscores both his resilience and his enduring influence.
